Olven Yu

A key figure in Chicago’s hospitality scene, Olven Yu is a seasoned bartender and hospitality professional known for his creativity and dedication to the craft. With years of experience behind the bar, he has developed a deep appreciation for technique, flavor, and the art of hospitality.

Olven has been an integral part of shaping some of Chicago’s most exciting cocktail programs, such as Girl and the Goat and Nine Bar, bringing a thoughtful and modern approach to classic drinks. His passion for creating memorable guest experiences has made him a respected name in the industry. Whether behind the bar or collaborating on new concepts, Olven continues to push the boundaries of Chicago’s cocktail culture.

Jack French

Jack French is a seasoned bartender and hospitality professional with a passion for crafting exceptional cocktails and creating welcoming spaces. With years of experience in Chicago’s dynamic bar scene, he has honed his skills in both classic and innovative mixology, always striving to elevate the guest experience.

Known for his attention to detail and deep knowledge of spirits, Jack has played a key role in shaping beverage programs at some of the city's most respected establishments. His commitment to hospitality goes beyond the bar, fostering a sense of community and connection in every space he works in.

BLESSTONIO (Antonio Robles)

BLESSTONIO is a Chicago-based DJ, classically trained musician, event and music producer, and dancer whose eclectic sound and dynamic energy create electrifying dance floor experiences. With a deep passion for movement and music, he seamlessly blends genres, captivating audiences with his unique sonic storytelling.

As a dedicated club dancer, BLESSTONIO is committed to fostering inclusive, dance-centered spaces that honor the legacy of club culture. He embraces the dance floor as a sacred space for queerness, Blackness, transgression, community, inclusivity, freedom, liberation, inspiration, and radical joy—a belief echoed by the legendary Honey Dijon. To him, dancers and DJs are equal participants in preserving these vital spaces of expression and connection.

BLESSTONIO currently holds a residency, BEYOND, on AAJA Radio in London, where he continues to push boundaries and celebrate the transformative power of music and dance.

Jordan Ross (Chef Partner)

With 20 years of experience as both a chef and butcher, Jordan brings a carefully curated selection of specialty items to the menu. His expertise comes from roles such as one of the lead butchers at Publican Quality Meats, as well as working at The Clove Club, Boltwood, Yoshi’s Cafe, and Allen Brother’s Meats.

Jordan is also the chef-partner at Ludlow in Avondale, where he aspires to embody the spirit of Bob from Bob’s Burgers. In addition to his culinary work, he runs a small cutlery shop, Gud Knife, offering knife sharpening services for local chefs and importing high-quality knives from around the world.

Jane Chencheng Shang (Director of Operations/Design/Marketing)

A designer and longtime bartender and bar manager, Jane has been a key part of Chicago’s hospitality scene for years. She left a career at a major brand and packaging firm to pursue her passion for creating spaces that foster community.

Jane specializes in marketing, branding, and design for restaurants and bars—working with both established groups and small startups to enhance their visibility and identity. She believes in all-encompassing design that captures the true spirit of gathering places. Currently, she is an operating partner at Ludlow in Avondale, where she leads the bar program. She also runs SuperHai, her creative firm dedicated to blending design, art, food, and events across Chicago.

Joe Briglio (Beverage Director)

With 20 years of experience in the industry, Joe Briglio is a seasoned bar veteran and beverage director whose work has been featured in Imbibe, Punch, Bon Appétit, and Chicago Magazine, among others.

Joe is the owner and operator of two critically acclaimed Chicago bars: Nine Bar in Chinatown and Cara Cara Club in Logan Square. The concept for Nine Bar, which he co-founded with his partner Lily Wang, grew organically from a desire to bring a fresh nightlife experience to Chicago’s Chinatown—one that blends great cocktails, food, and music in a welcoming space.

In addition to Nine Bar, Joe and Lily launched Moon Palace Express, a traditional Chinese takeout and delivery restaurant. This dual-concept approach honors the Wang family’s 30-year legacy in Chinatown while evolving in a way that feels true to their vision.

Lily Wang

A third-generation Chinatown business owner, Lily Wang is deeply rooted in Chicago’s hospitality scene. She grew up in her family’s restaurant, Moon Palace, which served the neighborhood for over 30 years. With a passion for food, drink, and community, she partnered with Joe Briglio to reimagine the space, blending tradition with innovation.

Together, they launched Nine Bar, Chinatown’s first modern cocktail bar, offering a unique nightlife experience that celebrates Asian flavors and culture. Alongside Nine Bar, Lily also helped create Moon Palace Express, a takeout and delivery concept that honors her family’s legacy while evolving for a new generation.

Lily’s vision and dedication have helped shape Chinatown’s growing hospitality scene, creating spaces where both locals and visitors feel welcome.

Wade Hall McElroy

A Phoenix native and Arizona State University graduate, Wade discovered his passion for hospitality while bartending in NYC. There, he fell in love with the creativity and cultural identity that define a great bar experience. Moving to Chicago, he set out to create spaces where people truly feel at home. A dedicated traveler, photographer, and design enthusiast, Wade leads creative projects for Leisure Activities, a creative hospitality studio specializing in concept creation, beverage development, project management, and bar design. He is also a partner in several prominent bars, including Sportsman’s Club, Estereo, Ludlow Liquors, and Marlow Bar.

Jeff Donahue

After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Jeff immersed himself in Chicago’s vibrant bar and restaurant scene, discovering his true passion for hospitality. His love for creating authentic, memorable experiences has fueled his exploration of food, drink, and culture—both locally and around the world. Jeff is currently the Vice President of Operations for Heisler Group Hospitality and a partner at a few key bars in Chicago such as Sportsman’s club, Estereo, and Ludlow liquors.