Polsky Exchange Fireside Chat with Chef Erick Williams

About this event

Join us for a conversation with Chef Erick Williams , owner and executive chef of Virtue Restaurant & Bar in Chicago’s Hyde Park.

Virtue is a Southern American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality and kindness. Williams was named Best Chef: Great Lakes by the James Beard Foundation in 2022, making history as the first Black chef to win in that category.

Chef Williams grew up in Chicago’s Lawndale and Austin neighborhoods and worked for nearly 20 years at MK, rising from salad chef to executive chef and part owner before opening Virtue in 2018. As founder of Virtue Hospitality Group, he has since grown his work to include Mustard Seed Kitchen, Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern, Top This Mac and Cheese, and Cantina Rosa.

He is also a committed mentor. He founded Virtue Leadership Development, a nonprofit incubator that equips young adults of color with entrepreneurial and leadership skills through hands-on training in the restaurant industry.

In this conversation, Chef Williams will talk about:

• Building a business rooted in hospitality, community, and purpose.

• Growing from a single restaurant into a multiconcept hospitality group.

• Adapting and innovating through uncertainty.

• Mentorship and creating opportunity for the next generation.

The conversation will leave time for audience questions. An optional reception and networking will follow.

Event Structure

• Welcome and introductions (10:30–11:00 a.m.): Networking

• Fireside conversation (11:00–11:30 a.m.): A moderated discussion on his path, his businesses, and his approach to hospitality and mentorship.

• Audience Q&A (20–30 min): Open questions from attendees.

• Optional: Networking reception to follow (12:00–1:00 p.m.)

Lunch from Daisy's Po Boy!

From Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation