Cleo’s Opens Third Location in Lakeview, Honoring Family Legacy and Community Support
CHICAGO—With deep gratitude, a spirit of remembrance, and a nod to the power of community, Cleo’s Taste of the South opens the doors to its third location Wednesday in Lakeview. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2826 North Lincoln Ave. marks not just another restaurant expansion, but a continuation of a family legacy rooted in love, resilience, and soul-filled recipes.
“Tomorrow afternoon, we will officially open the doors to our third Cleo’s location in Lakeview,” wrote the founder in a heartfelt email message to customers and subscribers. “It feels like every dish we’ve ever served, every long night we’ve ever worked, and every dream I’ve ever had for this business has led to this moment.”
Named after the founder’s grandmother, Cleo Harper—born in 1938 in Dublin, Mississippi, and later rooted in Clarksdale—the restaurant serves as a tribute to her influence and a legacy of hospitality. “She’s the reason for all of this,” the owner reflected. “This is her legacy, and I feel so honored to carry it forward in a way that continues to bring people together.”
The new location joins Cleo’s other Chicago spots in the Loop and Bronzeville, continuing the brand’s commitment to authentic Southern cuisine and community-centered service. Doors to the Lakeview restaurant officially open on Wednesday, December 10, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
Supporters and patrons are invited to join in the celebration. “Seeing your faces there as we make it official would mean the world to me,” the announcement said.
Cleo’s Lakeview will operate Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., closing Mondays and Tuesdays. The expansion reflects the support of loyal customers and the tireless efforts of a dedicated team, described by the founder as “the heartbeat of this entire operation.”
“This journey has never been a solo one,” the message read. “Every time you’ve waited in line, posted a picture of your food, told a friend about us, or simply chosen to support our dream—you laid another brick in the foundation of this new home. You built this.”
Cleo’s newest location is a space not only for dining but for connecting—a continuation of the vision set forth by Grandma Cleo and sustained by a community that believes in her legacy.
“More than anything, I hope you feel at home.”
Cleo’s Locations:
Lakeview: 2826 North Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL | Wed–Sun, 11a–8p | 773-799-8509
The Loop: 190 North Wells, Chicago, IL | Mon–Fri, 11a–6p | 312-285-2140
Bronzeville: 4248 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL | Fri–Sat, 12p–8p | Sun, 12p–6p | 773-633-2757