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Chef-Philanthropist Reed to Open New Luella's on August 6
- Bob Benenson
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
Brunch-Focused Restaurant Completes Move to Albany Park Neighborhood
Chef Darnell Reed's expert take on Southern cooking earned him a popular following at his Luella's Southern Kitchen (named for his great-grandmother) in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. Since he announced last year that he planned to move to a new space in a new neighborhood, fans have been waiting to hear where they'll find Luella's 2.0.
Now we know, with a press release Monday (July 28) revealing that the new version will be in the Albany Park neighborhood at 4114 N. Kedzie Avenue, roughly two miles from the original location that just closed on July 1.
Diners won't have to wait long to resume enjoying Darnell's cooking, as the new spot is opening on Wednesday, August 6. There's a twist, though: Whereas the first Luella's was open evenings for dinner, the new location will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a strong focus on brunch.
As quoted in the press release, Darnell said, “This is a full-circle moment. I’ve come home in more ways than one, owning the building, deepening roots in the community, and focusing on soulful food made from the heart. Brunch is the perfect canvas to tell those stories.”
I think Darnell's skills as a chef are awesome, but our main interactions are the result of the fact that he is a leader in the philanthropic zeal of Chicago's culinary community. He is described as follows in the press release:
Chef Reed’s commitment to community doesn’t stop at the table. Since opening Luella’s, he has actively supported a range of charitable organizations and grassroots initiatives focused on food equity, youth empowerment, and crisis relief. His partnerships include Common Pantry, The Evolved Network, Chicago Chefs Cook, Kitchen Possible, the Obama Foundation, Black Kitchen Initiative, TBC Food Pantry, Working Nation, and World Central Kitchen, among many others.
“It’s not just about serving food,” says Reed. “It’s about showing up, lifting others, and feeding hope wherever we can.”
I'll surely be visiting the new restaurant soon and wish Darnell the best of success.
The full press release — which includes the incredible-sounding brunch menu — is re-published below.
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Luella's Press Release by Kurman Communications
Luella’s Southern Kitchen Reopens August 6 in Albany Park with a Fresh Take on Southern Brunch
Chef Darnell Reed brings soul, skill, and Southern hospitality to a new location with a heartfelt breakfast and brunch menu
CHICAGO, IL — July 28, 2025 — One of Chicago’s most beloved dining gems is back—this time with a brand-new space, renewed vision, and a menu that wakes up your soul. Luella’s Southern Kitchen, the acclaimed Southern-inspired restaurant from Chef/Owner Darnell Reed, will reopen at its new permanent location at 4114 N. Kedzie Avenue in Albany Park on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the new Luella’s will serve breakfast and brunch only, a bold and exciting shift for the restaurant that helped define Chicago’s modern Southern food scene.
The restaurant seats 54 guests including an eight-seat bar. There’s an outdoor patio in the rear, seating 41. Street parking is available.
“This is a full-circle moment,” says Chef Reed. “I’ve come home in more ways than one, owning the building, deepening roots in the community, and focusing on soulful food made from the heart. Brunch is the perfect canvas to tell those stories.”
A Love Letter to the South—On a Plate
Luella’s Southern Kitchen is named for Reed’s great-grandmother, Luella Funches, whose cooking first inspired him as a child. “She showed me how food could bring people together,” he recalls. A self-described “Southern chef raised in Chicago,” Reed brings warmth and authenticity to every dish.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or first-time guest, Luella’s hits all the right notes. The ever-popular Chicken & Waffles, served original or Nashville-style using farm-raised chicken from Harrison’s Poultry in Glenview, is back and better than ever. The signature Shrimp & Grits returns in a bold new form: Crab-Stuffed Shrimp with Smoked Grits and Maque Choux—a deeply satisfying reimagining of a Southern staple.
The new brunch menu features Southern classics with elegant, creative twists:
Crab-Stuffed Shrimp with Smoked Grits and Maque Choux
Boudin, Egg & Cheese Biscuit with pepper jelly and Fontina
Kentucky Hot Brown on Brioche with Slagel turkey
Beignets and a Sticky Donut that are already buzz-worthy
Chicken & Waffles (original or Nashville-style) using farm-raised poultry from Harrison’s in Glenview
Buttermilk Pancakes with whipped brown butter and Mick Klug Farm blueberry compote
PB&J Po'Boy for kids, plus mac & cheese, housemade biscuits, and Three Sisters Garden grits
Weekly French Toast and seasonal specials keep the menu playful and ever-changing.
From Fine Dining to Front Porch Vibes
Chef Darnell Reed is no stranger to acclaim. A proud graduate of Chicago’s Washburne Culinary Institute, Reed rose through the ranks to become Executive Chef at the Conrad Chicago before launching Luella’s Southern Kitchen in 2015. Within months, his Lincoln Square restaurant garnered praise from Food & Wine, the Chicago Tribune, Eater, and Thrillist for its heartfelt, elevated take on Southern cuisine.
Yet Reed’s mission remains deeply personal: “I want people to eat something that reminds them of home—even if they’re nowhere near it.”
Luella’s Acclaim
Since its debut, Luella’s has earned a lot of local love. Chicago Magazine named it the Best New Southern Restaurant in 2015. Luella’s was featured on the popular PBS series Check, Please!. and praised widely for its role in elevating Black culinary traditions.
Luella’s has been a James Beard Award semifinalist in the Great Lakes region and a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient, three times, recognizing its excellence in quality and value.
Community-Focused, Flavor-Driven
Now nestled in the heart of Albany Park, one of Chicago’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, Luella’s Southern Kitchen is poised to deepen its roots. Chef Reed looks forward to welcoming new neighbors while continuing to serve the loyal guests who’ve followed the restaurant’s journey from Lincoln Square.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the schedule allows Reed and his close-knit team to focus on quality, consistency, and care—values that define both the food and the experience. The new space, formerly El Alebrije, has been transformed into a warm, rustic-chic gathering place where every detail reflects the generous spirit of Southern hospitality.
“You won’t need a passport to take this journey,” says Reed. “Just an appetite.”
Giving Back Through Food
Chef Reed’s commitment to community doesn’t stop at the table. Since opening Luella’s, he has actively supported a range of charitable organizations and grassroots initiatives focused on food equity, youth empowerment, and crisis relief. His partnerships include Common Pantry, The Evolved Network, Chicago Chefs Cook, Kitchen Possible, the Obama Foundation, Black Kitchen Initiative, TBC Food Pantry, Working Nation, and World Central Kitchen, among many others.
“It’s not just about serving food,” says Reed. “It’s about showing up, lifting others, and feeding hope wherever we can.”
Luella’s Southern Kitchen – New Location
4114 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
Opening August 6, 2025
Open Wednesday–Sunday | 8 AM–2 PM
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Seating: 54 seats including an 8 seat bar
Outdoor Patio: 41 seats
Phone: 773-961-8196
Website: www.luellassouthernkitchen.com
Instagram: @luellassouthernkitchen
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