Grace (restaurant)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | December 2012 |
| Founder | Curtis Duffy, Michael Muser |
| Defunct | December 20, 2017 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Key people | Curtis Duffy (Executive Chef), Michael Muser (Business Associate) |
| Products | Fine dining |
Grace operated as a restaurant located in Chicago's West Loop district and consistently held a prestigious three-star rating from the Michelin Guide every year starting in 2015. Prior to its closure on December 20, 2017, it shared the distinction of being one of only two Chicago venues, alongside Alinea, to possess three Michelin stars.
History
The establishment was launched in December 2012 by original executive chef Curtis Duffy and his business associate Michael Muser. Duffy, who had previously served as chef de cuisine at Alinea and led the kitchen at Avenues—where he maintained a two-star Michelin status—brought considerable acclaim to the new restaurant.
By 2014, Grace had secured its three Michelin stars, becoming the third dining spot in Chicago to reach this level after Alinea and the now-defunct L2O. The restaurant’s story and Duffy’s personal journey were documented in the 2015 film For Grace, which explored both his culinary ambitions and life challenges.
Towards the end of 2016, Grace overtook Alinea as Chicago’s priciest dining experience and was among the most expensive restaurants nationwide. In December 2017, following investor Michael Olszewski’s decision to decline a buyout proposal from Duffy and Muser, both founders departed suddenly. Shortly thereafter, Olszewski proceeded to shut down Grace. In July 2020, Duffy and Muser introduced a new dining concept in Chicago named Ever.
Awards and honors
- Michelin Guide, Three-Star Rating
- Five Diamond Award, AAA
- Forbes Travel Guide, Five-Star Rating
- Robb Report, Best of the Best 2013: Dining
- Chicago Tribune, Four-Star Rating
- Chicago Magazine, Best New Restaurant
- Best Chef: Great Lakes 2016 (Curtis Duffy), James Beard Foundation