CHICAGO —Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Planning and Development today celebrated the opening of POTLUC, a new Black woman-owned, chef-led modern Bohemian restaurant at 6004 W North Ave. in Austin.
The $832,000 project, supported by a $247,000 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant, brings a previously vacant property at North and Austin Avenues back into active use.
“POTLUC is bringing new life to a property that sat vacant and creating a new place for residents to gather and experience right here in Austin,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This opening represents the kind of investment we want to see in our neighborhoods—one that supports local entrepreneurs, strengthens our commercial corridors and creates new amenities for the community.
I am proud that my administration was able to help make this investment possible.”
POTLUC is one of the eight Austin projects supported by NOF under the Johnson administration, with grants collectively valued at $1.7 million supporting more than $2 million in total project cost.
More broadly, DPD has provided more than $30 million in incentives to support more than 40 projects in Austin under the Johnson administration, representing $127 million in total investment in the community.”
The NOF grant supported interior and exterior renovations to the single-story building, including the addition of a rooftop dining area.
The property previously housed a clothing store before sitting vacant for an extended period.
“Projects like this are economic drivers that bring people together and add to local commerce and culture, which are key goals for the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund program,” saidDPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright. “Kudos to the entire POTLUC team for enhancing a key West Side corner.”
Operated by chef Mary Proietti and open for brunch and dinner, POTLUC adds a new locally owned dining option along North Avenue and brings new activity to a previously vacant commercial space.
The restaurant’s global menu draws inspiration from cuisines spanning the Mediterranean, Africa, India, the Caribbean and the American South.
Since the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund was established in 2017, more than 135 NOF-supported projects have been completed citywide with grants collectively valued at nearly $22 million.
More information about the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund is available atChicago.gov/NOF.