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Winner, The For-Profit Real Estate Development Award
The Pullman neighborhood was left to languish with the exodus of Ryerson Steel and other companies in the 1990s, leaving virtually no stores, restaurants or local businesses to serve the needs of residents. While significant progress has been made over the last 12 years through new commercial and industrial developments including the 111th Street Gateway Retail Center, no stand-alone restaurant had been available in the Pullman community in more than 30 years.
‪@culvers‬ restaurant in Pullman, established in 2021, created more than 70 well-paying new jobs, most of which were filled by local residents. The restaurant’s mentoring program offers employees opportunities for career growth and well-paying jobs within the national chain, helping them acquire the skills and experience to prepare for future opportunities. This program is one facet franchise owner Baron Waller knows well: From working behind the counter at a Culver’s, he rose through the ranks to become Culver’s largest Black franchise owner, with seven locations and more on the way.
Led by Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) in partnership with many others, extensive planning, investment and development has created the conditions that instilled the market with confidence which drew Culver’s. As David Doig, CEO of CNI, said at the Pullman Culver’s grand opening, “This is a great day for our community and the city because our strategy of creating retail and industrial jobs, building and renovating housing, recreation, and educational opportunities is working, and despite the long odds and pundits’ pronouncements, Pullman and Roseland are rebounding, and there is more to come.”