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Uncommon Ground Owners Retiring, Seek Like-Minded New Owner
- Bob Benenson
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Helen and Mike Cameron are Among Chicago Region's Farm-to-Table Pioneers
Sometimes we learn about happenings that make us both sad and happy. Such is the case of the announcement today (March 16) that Helen and Mike Cameron are retiring after 35 years as founders/owners of Uncommon Ground, a Chicago pioneer in farm-to-table dining.
I am sad because the Camerons were among the first food people I met after Barb and I moved to Chicago in 2011 and I began my transition to my second career as an advocate of a better food system.
I wrote about them and Uncommon Ground often...
As a craft beer fan, I admired their Greenstar Brewing, Illinois' first organic brewery...
I spent many delightful hours in the rooftop organic farm at their longtime second location in the Edgewater neighborhood...
... And I participated in their special events, including the Day of the Dead parties staged from 2022 to 2024 by Naturally Chicago, my contract employer.
I am happy, though, for two reasons.
First, the restaurant business is hard, and a 35-year run is remarkable. Their retirement is very well-earned, and they signaled that it was coming sooner than later when they closed the Edgewater branch of the restaurant in October 2022.
Second, as you will see in their press release republished below, the Camerons are seeking a new, like-minded operator "to carry on the Uncommon Ground legacy."
If this exciting opportunity interests you, or you know someone that this would fit, scroll down to the bottom of the press release for contact information for the owners' designated representative.
Congratulations and many thanks to Helen and Mike Cameron. And if you are going to throw a retirement party, please count me in!
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Chicago’s Iconic Uncommon Ground Restaurant Hits Market After 35 Years of Sustainable Innovation
CHICAGO, IL — After 35 years of pioneering the farm-to-table movement and live music scene in Chicago, founders Michael and Helen Cameron have announced they are seeking a successor for their landmark location as they prepare for retirement.
Since opening as a small coffeehouse in 1991, Uncommon Ground has grown into a world-renowned brand, twice named the "Greenest Restaurant in America" by the Green Restaurant Association. The sale offers a rare opportunity to acquire a "turn-key" operation that includes:
Greenstar Brewing: Illinois’ first certified organic brewery, known for award-winning craft beers like the GABF gold-medal-winning Bateman Bier Amber Lager.
Pioneering Sustainability: An establishment that helped launch the nation’s first certified organic rooftop farm, organic sidewalk cafe and utilizes solar thermal panels to heat the restaurant's water.
A Historic Stage: An intimate listening room with a legendary reputation, having hosted early career performances by Jeff Buckley, Glen Hansard, Andrew Bird, Josh Ritter and Train.
Prime Real Estate: A versatile, nearly 5,000-square-foot space at 3800 N. Clark St. just one block from Cubs/Wrigley Field’s Gallagher Way, featuring an organic brewery, a large sidewalk café, an outdoor beer garden and two private dining rooms.
"We have lived the American dream," said co-founder Michael Cameron. "What began as a tiny coffeehouse near Wrigley Field became a community pillar for sustainability and the arts. As we look toward retirement, we hope to find a visionary operator who will continue this legacy of community-focused hospitality."
The Camerons own the building, which allowed them to expand and open Greenstar Brewing. Six loft-style apartments occupy the second floor of the building.
Interested parties and qualified buyers are encouraged to contact the owners’ designated representative for further details on the listing.
About Uncommon Ground
Founded in 1991, Uncommon Ground is a Chicago institution dedicated to seasonal, organic cuisine and community engagement. Through its farm-to-table menu, Greenstar Brewing and storied music program, it has remained a leader in sustainable business practices for over three decades.
Current Licenses in place: Food Establishment, Incidental Liquor License, Brewpub License, PPA (Public Place of Amusement), Sidewalk Café Permit.
Owners Designated Representative: Wilhelm Kreuzer, CCIM Evolve Commercial Real Estate, LLC, Phone: 312.914.9400, Email: Will@Evolve-CRE.com, Website: www.evolve-cre.com
Media Contact: Michael Cameron 773-968-1228
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