Filipino American Standout Boonie Foods Will Leave Revival Food Hall

by Ashok Selvan / Eater Chicago / December 6, 2022

They’re taking over Crab Pad seafood boil in Lincoln Square

When Boonie Foods debuted in 2020, Joe Fontalera pumped some excitement into Revival Food Hall with his Filipino American dishes, bringing global tastes to a food hall stocked with staples like burgers, Nashville hot chicken, and salads.

Revival needed to adapt during the pandemic in downtown Chicago without crowds of office workers eating lunch in the Loop. Along with vendors like Minahasa, which serves Indonesian food; and Art of Dosa, which specializes in Southern Indian cuisine; Boonie gave Revival robust dinner options for takeout and delivery. Night-time service represented a change in strategy for a food hall built for the afternoon crowd.

But despite success, Boonie’s two-year-run will end on Thursday, December 22, Fontalera announced last week. He tells Eater Chicago he’s bringing his silog, lumpia — and perhaps new favorites like dinugaun — to Lincoln Square where he’ll take over the Crab Pad, 4337 N. Western Avenue. Crab Pad’s original location Logan Square will remain open, but the second location will close on Saturday, December 17. Read more HERE