AVLI ACQUIRES MORGAN’S ON FULTON EVENT BUSINESS AND PLANS
FULTON MARKET EXPANSION
The group’s newest project includes the premier Fulton Market loft and rooftop event space plus indoor/outdoor dining, carry-out, catering and upgraded lower level.
(CHICAGO; April 24, 2023)— Avli Restaurant Group is thrilled to announce its latest expansion with the acquisition of Morgan’s on Fulton LLC, the premier Fulton Market loft and rooftop event business and its new partnership with MF Partners JV to further develop the meticulously restored and renovated historic building at 950-954 W Fulton Market with new indoor/outdoor dining, carry-out, catering, and upgraded lower level.
Designed and developed by James Geier and partners, Morgan’s on Fulton has grown to become the premier event operator in Chicago’s rapidly growing Fulton Market district, hosting over 125 events in 2022.
The space includes 12,000 square feet on the second-floor loft and penthouse and features a magnificent, heated retractable glass enclosed roof deck along with private cabana areas and perimeter gardens plus indoor and outdoor bars all with a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline. The second-floor loft features exposed brick, mango wood floors and natural light with capacity for wedding ceremonies to 165 people and seated dinners of up 100 guests while the penthouse has maximum capacity of 250 and seated dinner capacity for 150 guests. Together the space is ideal for upscale weddings, celebrations, and corporate events and is fully equipped with a brand-new dedicated commercial kitchen, serving wear, flexible furniture options and audio/video systems. Information on menu options and available dates in 2023 and 2024 is at www.morgansonfulton.com .
In addition to the Morgan’s on Fulton acquisition, Avli and James Geier’s MF Partners JV have entered a lease for Avli to operate a soon to be announced street level indoor/outdoor restaurant in the building at the corner of Fulton Market and Morgan Street which will feature Avli’s signature Inspired Greek cuisine as well as carry-out and catering operations for nearby residential and commercial neighbors. Avli also plans to upgrade the existing lower-level space, used for private and after party events by Morgan’s on Fulton.
In the near term during the planning and development phase to coincide with a planned relocation of Marvin’s Food & Fuel, Avli expects business as usual at Marvin’s.
According to Avli founding partner and CEO Louie Alexakis, “We are thrilled to be chosen to partner with James Geier and his excellent team of culinary and hospitality professionals to take what they have built forward. Everything about this opportunity – including this amazing facility, world-class location, wonderful customer base and dedicated team of professionals – has inspired us to plan and create a fun, neighborhood friendly but destination worthy experience for our Chicago-area patrons that continue to demonstrate unflagging support for our Inspired Greek cuisine.”
James Geier, building owner and operator of Morgan’s on Fulton and Marvin’s Food & Fuel commented “Our long, wonderful experience in Fulton Market continues with this new partnership with Avli. We’ve been here now for over thirteen years and have seen how this community can grow together. We are confident that Fulton Market will love what the Avli team is going to bring to the neighborhood. Like us they are hard-working Chicagoans and dedicated professionals who bring their unique cuisine and deeply lived sense of hospitality to every customer and everything they do.”
About Avli
In addition to the new Fulton Market event business and soon to be announced corner restaurant and upgraded lower level, Avli currently operates five Chicago-area locations and has announced its soon to be opened location in Milwaukee. Founded in 2009 with the opening of Avli Estiatorio in Winnetka by Lamros “Louie” Alexakis, Avli now also operates Avli Taverna in Lincoln Park (1335 W Wrightwood), Avli River North (702 N. Wells St.), Avli on The Park in Lakeshore East (180 N Field Blvd.) and inside Time Out Market (916-926 W Fulton). Paying homage to Greek traditions and mythology, Avli restaurants evoke philoxenia, a welcoming of strangers and an eagerness to show hospitality; present meraki, putting the best of oneself into cooking and work; and offer the experience of kefi, living life joyfully. Each Avli features creative and inspired dishes, a lively beverage program including a curated Greek wine list, craft cocktails and traditional spirits, and an ambiance and warm service that reflects life in the Mediterranean. The group’s founding partners are veteran Greek restaurateur Louie Alexakis, celebrated Chicago sportscaster Lou Canellis and seasoned private equity investor William V. Glastris, Jr. For more information, visit www.avli.us.
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For interview requests and/or additional information, please contact Charlotte Murphy; charlotte@avli.us; 708-927-0755