Mr. Beef, Jake Melnick's, Lexington Betty to serve NASCAR Chicago Street Race fans

We don't know who will take the checkered flag at next month's NASCAR Chicago Street Race, but we do know who will be behind the checkered tablecloths.
Chicago-based Levy was named Wednesday as the new food and beverage provider for the third annual pop–up race in Grant Park, bringing a refreshed lineup of restaurants to the July Fourth weekend event, from concessions to the premium hospitality clubs and suites.
Levy replaces Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You, which handled food and beverages during the first two Chicago Street Races.
'We are thrilled to partner with another Chicago-based culinary powerhouse like Levy to ensure that we continue to shine a spotlight on the local Chicago food scene,' Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race president, said in a news release Wednesday.
Launched 47 years ago from a Chicago delicatessen, Levy has evolved into a leading sports and entertainment hospitality company with more than 300 venues in North America. Chicago-area sports venues served by Levy include Wrigley Field, United Center, Rate Field and Now Arena in Hoffman Estates.
Levy is no stranger to big sporting events. Last year it provided the food and beverage service for Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, its sixth Big Game appearance in the new millennium. It also handles the hospitality at NASCAR's marquee race, the Daytona 500.
A unique event on the NASCAR calendar, the third annual Chicago Street Race features an Xfinity Series race on July 5, and the nationally televised Grant Park 165 Cup Series race on July 6.
For this year's Chicago Street Race, Levy will debut new offerings throughout the Grant Park footprint, including from its own Chicago restaurants, Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and River Roast. It will also bring a number of locally owned favorites to the race weekend, including Mr. Beef, Bronzeville Winery, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Robinson's Ribs and Josephine's Southern Cooking.
Review: Lexington Betty Smokehouse barbecue in Pullman is not only resilient, but resoundingly good'The NASCAR Chicago Street Race highlights our city and the sport in a totally unique way, and it's been incredible to see fans rally behind it,' Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy, said in the release. 'We're so excited to help elevate an already wonderful event with a new level of food, beverage and hometown hospitality.'
The Chicago Street Race will once again feature a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue, which will be closed off and lined with fences, grandstands and hospitality suites. But a relocated concert stage will replace the Skyline, a mammoth temporary structure along Columbus Drive that last year housed the most expensive suites overlooking the start/finish line at Buckingham Fountain.
Southern rockers the Zac Brown Band, scheduled to perform after the Xfinity Series race, are the only musical headliners on the bill for year three. But NASCAR is planning to add a miniature golf course and other family-friendly activities to the festivities.
Street closings will begin this week for Chicago's NASCAR street race. Here's what to know.Major street closings for the streamlined buildout have been reduced to 18 days. The first shutdown is set for Thursday — nine days later than last year — with Balbo Drive closing down from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by July 14.
Single-day general admission passes start at $99 — a third less than last year — while premium grandstand reserved seats are priced at a nearly 50% reduction. Children 12 and under are free both days, with an accompanying adult.
rchannick@chicagotribune.com

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