Today we’d like to introduce you to Eldridge Williams.
Eldridge, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Been in the hospitality industry since I was 14. I’m 36 now, so you do the math. Originally from Memphis TN, I found my way to Chicago in 2003. Spent the next 15yrs grinding it out and building my network and somewhere in between I became inspired to open my own place.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Ha Ha Ha!!!! One would almost think that the restaurant industry is design to fail. The city of Chicago is pretty tough when it comes to licensing and permits. Not to mention the politics. By the time you get done with them you almost forget why you wanted to open a restaurant in the first place. After that’s done and you’re open, you have to figure out how to make money. Sure you have a “cool” concept but cool doesn’t pay the bills. Smart business does.
Please tell us about The Delta.
The Delta specializes in Mississippi Red Hot tamales and craft cocktails. The Mississippi Delta’s rich and often complex history is a focal point of The Delta here in Chicago. Owner Eldridge Williams, a Memphis native, grew up eating Mississippi Red Hot tamales and his father even worked at a tamale factory when he was a child.
Opening The Delta was my chance to showcase something that’s far bigger than food and beverage. The Mississippi Delta is a region that was once responsible for most of the country’s cotton supply. A region that impacted and shaped the Civil Rights movement. A region that’s a melting pot of African, Mexican, Chinese, and Italian cooking styles. A region that’s known for being the birthplace of the blues.
At The Delta we want to channel everything from the sweaty juke joints, catfish, and Mississippi red hot tamales while also pulling inspiration from the swanky hotel bars and restaurants in Memphis. We have a responsibility to honor and respect the culture and history of the Mississippi Delta and showcase our interpretation of its true form: from the obvious like authentic Mississippi Red Hot Tamales and its rich music to more subtle nods like cocktail names that invoke history and décor accents that make you feel at home in our home.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Christmas mornings.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1745 W. North Av.
- Website: www.thedeltachicago.com
- Phone: 7733601793
- Email: info@thedeltachicago.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thechicagodelta
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thechicagodelta
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/the-delta-chicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
