New Champs Sports Grill May Be Coming Downtown

If all goes according to plan, the empty space on Allen Street where Chili’s used to be won’t be empty for long.

Local restaurateur Ivan Segal hopes to a see a new restaurant in the space by October, and he has a good idea what kind of joint might be moving in.

Segal confirms that he and his partners at S. C. Boys, Inc. are considering opening up a second Champs Sports Grill at the prime downtown location.

Champs, located at 1611 N. Atherton St., is a popular spot to grab dinner, a drink or to take in a game.

Segal declined to offer further details about this possibility, but says the new location would stay true to the Champs menu while boasting its own unique style and atmosphere. When finished, the Allen Street restaurant will use both the basement and top floor of the Allen Street space.

Segal says he and his partners are currently in the process of obtaining a liquor license and bringing in architects to give the space a new flavor. He says they aim to have the new restaurant open by October.

Plans to transform the old Chili’s into a new eatery have been underway since March, Segal says.

“We think this is going to be a great place,” Segal says. “We have a lot of experience in the downtown restaurant scene, and this will be a great addition.”

Chili’s closed on May 11, almost a week sooner than restaurant management said the business would shut its doors for the final time.