Your name & title at the company
The Purple Pig
What does your company do?
The Purple Pig offers “cheese, swine, and wine,” among other dishes that showcase the flavors of Italy, Greece, and Spain for lunch and dinner. With creative menus that are constantly changing, the restaurant highlights Bannos’ food in fun, inventive ways with a warm and welcoming spirit—along with a beverage program that includes nearly 1,000 wines, local craft beers on tap, and an ever-changing cocktail list, curated by Sommelier and Head Bartender Alan Beasey. In 2019, The Purple Pig was awarded “best by-the-glass wine list without Coravin” by the World of Wine.
Tell us about your company’s journey.
Fourth-generation restauranteur and James Beard Foundation “Rising Star Chef” 2014 Jimmy Bannos Jr. brought his love for Mediterranean food to the Windy City at The Purple Pig, a rustic sharable-plate restaurant, conveniently located on Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile. Since opening in 2009 under the leadership of Bannos, The Purple Pig has received numerous accolades. The restaurant was named one of 2010’s “10 Best New Restaurants in America” by Bon Appétit magazine and has been a Bib Gourmand recipient from the Michelin Guide Chicago since 2011.
What has been your company’s greatest success?
The Purple Pig’s greatest success would have to be when Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. won the prestigious James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef in 2014.
What are your company’s goals for 2020?
As we head into our 10th year of service we hope to continue to grow our catering program.