Smack Dab shifts to sole ownership under Teeny

Smack Dab in Rogers Park has entered a new ownership phase as Teeny becomes the restaurant’s sole owner. The move comes alongside a liquor license, expanded catering and private-event plans, and a sharper focus on community partnerships heading into Pride Month.

Why it matters: - Smack Dab’s move to sole ownership gives the Rogers Park brunch spot a clearer leadership structure as it expands beyond dine-in service. - The transition supports new revenue paths in catering, private events, and hospitality-led partnerships. - The ownership change also lands as the business becomes 100% queer woman-owned just before Pride Month.

What happened: - Teeny became the sole owner of Smack Dab as of two weeks before the announcement. - The restaurant is based in Rogers Park, Chicago. - Smack Dab recently secured a liquor license. - Teeny framed the ownership change as a step toward a more honest and aligned future.

The details: - Smack Dab has spent the past several months building out Chicago catering, private events, community partnerships, and new hospitality opportunities. - The restaurant is targeting locally rooted brunch catering for businesses, schools, universities, nonprofits, healthcare providers, wellness organizations, and community groups. - Private-event interest has grown around small gatherings, appreciation events, off-sites, organization meetings, and local celebrations. - Teeny said the business is emphasizing donation-aligned opportunities and partnerships that let Smack Dab support local organizations and causes. - The transition was described as the result of months of preparation aimed at clearer leadership, stronger systems, and a more intentional growth strategy.

Between the lines: - The ownership shift appears to formalize changes already visible in the business, rather than create a sudden strategic turn. - Teeny tied the transition to Pride Month and described the timing as personally meaningful. - Teeny said queerness, for Smack Dab, means using otherness and resources to change how people think, live, and love. - The restaurant’s evolving model suggests a neighborhood business leaning harder into community-based service and event-driven income.

What's next: - Smack Dab will keep expanding catering and private-event offerings. - The business will continue building around inclusive hospitality, independent ownership, community connection, and intentional growth. - Teeny says the restaurant will keep pursuing partnerships that align with local care and support. - Smack Dab is positioning itself for a more flexible service model now that liquor service is in place.

The bottom line: - Smack Dab’s sole-ownership transition is both a personal milestone for Teeny and a business reset aimed at growth, community work, and a broader hospitality footprint.