August 20, 2024 // Franchising.com // Chicago, IL – Chicago-based restaurant chain Surf’s Up just opened a new location at Chicago’s Soldier Field, selling its delicious, Southern-inspired, Gulf-fried jumbo shrimp and French fries. This will be Surf’s Up’s first location in an arena.

“We are absolutely thrilled to open our first arena location at Soldier Field, home of our beloved Chicago Bears. We look forward to serving Surf’s Up’s fresh and delicious Gulf-fried jumbo shrimp and fries to fans at football games, concerts and other events at the stadium. As Bears fans know, Chicago gets cold during football season, so we’re bringing them the taste of the ocean right to the stadium,” said Eric Roy Jr., owner of Surf’s Up. “And the timing is perfect, as Surf’s Up will be serving at the stadium just in time for Bears preseason games and late summer concerts. We’re extending beach season well beyond the summer!”

Surf’s Up offers fresh and delicious seafood dishes inspired by southern seafood recipes that have been passed down for generations. No matter which Surf’s Up location guests visit, they can enjoy the taste of the sea in a fun, friendly beach atmosphere. Surf’s Up offers amazing food, a friendly staff and a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The Chicago area restaurant menu includes shrimp po-boys, catfish, fish n chips, lobster with shrimp, chicken wings, fried green tomatoes and more.

Chicago native Eric Roy Jr., who has lived in the Windy City his entire life, founded Surf’s Up 12 years ago. At the time, he was a corporate tax assessor for the state of Florida, living in Chicago and traveling to Tallahassee frequently for work. An avid foodie, he tried many restaurants on his travels.

“I loved the Gulf of Mexico shrimp in Florida and there was nothing like it in Chicago. My wife Denise is a chef and we took some ideas from the restaurants we loved in Florida back to Chicago. That inspired us to open our first Surf’s Up location in 2012,” explains Eric.

“I can’t wait to go to Bears games this season – and for years to come – and see fans enjoy our food. Denise and I love sharing our Southern-inspired seafood dishes served by our exceptionally friendly staff and bringing some of that laid-back beach vibe to the Windy City,” Eric added. “Imagine sitting back, enjoying delicious Gulf fried shrimp with delicious fries and watching a football game. Good food, good friends and a good game – it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Source: Surf’s Up

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