Ushering in its 15th year with hospitality partner Levy, chefs at the United Center unveiled a few new food and beverage offerings for the 2024-25 Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks season, including several favorites that were perfected during the offseason, at a preview event Monday afternoon.
“I think you always have to look at what’s out there and try not only to innovate but to elevate what you’re doing and constantly look at how you can get better,” said Scott Perez, executive chef at Levy Restaurants. “We’re a big part of creating that experience for fans — it’s not just about coming to a game.”
Queenie’s Supper Club, a full-service restaurant located above the East Atrium that has been serving fans for seven years, is back with some improvements to its “Wisconsin supper club” vibe.
“There are only a few concepts similar to Queenie’s within indoor arenas so it is a very unique experience to be able to partake in while going out to see Bulls or Hawks game,” said Zak Sherman, general manager of Queenie’s. “It’s fun seeing people enjoying a nice cut of prime rib or a filet while wearing a hockey sweater or Bulls jersey.”
Sherman said Queenie’s tweaked five of their dishes and a few cocktails for the new season.
“The ora king salmon is really unique because ora king salmon is typically a sushi-grade fish — it’s the fattiest salmon on the planet,” he noted. The dish, which costs $44, is served with gochujang-butter poached crab, bok choy and crispy garlic.
Queenie’s is open to all fans, as well as to the public not attending a game inside the United Center, though Sherman suggests making reservations in advance.
Perez, who works closely with Queenie’s and many other Chicago restaurants inside the arena, said the full scope of food offered during game days, concerts and other events has something for everyone’s taste and budget.
Perez said Levy chefs worked with United Center restaurants such as Avondale’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken to turn the volume up on classic things such as the crispy chicken strips found in Section 115, which are now crispier.
An updated avocado dip with hand-cut tortilla chips from chef Stephanie Izard’s This Little Goat Taqueria (located in sections 114 and 230) is now creamier and zestier, topped with chili lime crunch seasoning, pickled peppers and queso fresco.
“We try to appease a large fan base and try to cater to a lot of different palates,” he said. “I think it’s become so much more than just nachos and hot dogs — we do those too and try to do them really well — but we also look at other ways where we can exceed expectations.”
The 2024-25 season also marks the 30th anniversary of the United Center, which opened in August 1994.
During Monday’s event, Levy and United Center representatives displayed a giant card signed by notable celebrities, including gymnast Simone Biles and the band Twenty One Pilots.
Levy, which also runs food and beverage at Wrigley Field, recently added Soldier Field to its roster of partners and in August unveiled items such as the Odunze Dog, bear paw pretzel and updated odes to regional favorites, including the Italian beef sandwich.
The Bulls season starts with two road games — the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 23 and the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 25. The home opener is against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 26.
