Polsky Exchange Fireside Chat with Chef Erick Williams

Join us for a conversation with Chef Erick Williams, owner and executive chef of Virtue Restaurant & Bar in Chicago’s Hyde Park. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and an innate ability to weave history, culture, and hospitality into every dining experience, Chef Erick Williams has established himself as a transformative force in the restaurant industry. As Founder of Virtue Hospitality Group, Williams leads a growing portfolio of acclaimed concepts, including Virtue Restaurant & Bar, Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern, and Cantina Rosa - each a reflection of his passion for soulful cuisine and meaningful community impact. Williams’ flagship restaurant, Virtue, opened in 2018 in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park and quickly became nationally recognized, blending Southern flavors with a deep reverence for food culture, history, and artistry. In 2022, he made history as the first Black chef to win Best Chef: Great Lakes from the James Beard Foundation. Fueled by creativity and adaptability, Williams expanded his vision during the pandemic, introducing a series of innovative concepts that reflected the evolving dining landscape. Among them were Mustard Seed Kitchen and Top This Mac and Cheese, both limited-run ventures that allowed him to explore new formats and connect with guests in fresh ways.