SUBSTITUE ORDINANCE
Committee on Transportation & Public Way
WHEREAS, Steven Strauss was born May 16 1945, to Nate and Janet Strauss. The Strauss family, Steven and his two sisters grew up in the Peterson Park neighborhood and remained lifelong Chicagoans.
WHEREAS, Steven was destined to be in the food and beverage industry, following in his father's footsteps. Steven went from "crib to the tavern" where he went to work for his father who proudly owned Symphony Liquors on Chicago Avenue. At age 27, Steven opened his first establishment in the Lakeview Community, ft was her that he began his journey of welcoming, entertaining and conducting business in the area as a tavern owner.
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WHEREAS, Steven became a pioneer of inclusivity and acceptance for what would ultimately become the LGBTQ community where he opened one ofthe first premiere gay/alternative lifestyle clubs on Clark Street just south of Diversey, thus being on the forefront of laying groundwork for what would ultimately be known as Boystown.
WHEREAS, In 1985 Steven opened Sluggers World Class Sports Bar & Grill located at 3540 N. Clark. In those days, Wrigleyvtlle wasn't yet a moniker for the neighborhood just yet.
WHEREAS, Steven loved Chicago, baseball, sports and simply watching people have a good time. Sluggers has been the epicenter for celebrating iconic Chicago Sports moments over the past 35 years. This includes 2 Chicago Bears Super Bowl appearance, 6 Chicago Bulls NBA Titles, 3 Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup titles, 1 Chicago White Sox World Series title, and of course the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series title.
WHEREAS, Steven dedicated nearly four decades in Wrigleyville and half a century in Lakeview, showing the visitors near and far a good time. He has most certainly put his indelible stamp on Chicago history and left an amazing legacy for his sons to carry on.
WHEREAS, Steven passed away suddenly January 28, 2022 holding the hand of his beloved wife Rickie.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL...
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