Fifteen Summers on the Sand: How a Simple Idea Became Vandalay Brands

Back in 2010, two young attorneys stood on the sand at Montrose Beach with a wild idea and a clear view of the Chicago skyline.

“What if we opened up a beach bar?”

It was the kind of idea that usually gets tossed around on summer nights, but for Co-Founders Nick Hynes and Luke Cholodecki, it stuck. That single question would go on to shape the identity of Vandalay Brands and spark a hospitality journey that continues to grow and evolve today.

Co-Founders Nick Hynes and Luke Cholodecki at The Dock at Montrose Beach in 2010.

The Birth of The Dock

When The Dock at Montrose Beach first opened its doors, it was never meant to be just another place to grab a drink. It was designed to feel like summer in Chicago distilled into one location: lake views, cold drinks, live music, and a laid-back, come-as-you-are energy that captured the spirit of the city.

Locals and visitors alike quickly embraced The Dock as their go-to escape within city limits. Over time, it became more than a seasonal hangout. It became a tradition.

Building the Vandalay Brands Family

That first summer on the sand was the foundation for something bigger. What started as a single beach bar has grown into a family of ten unique restaurants, each carrying the same heartbeat that defined The Dock from the beginning.

Vandalay Brands has evolved into a Chicago-based restaurant group known for thoughtful concepts that celebrate great food, vibrant atmosphere, and warm hospitality. From wood-fired Neapolitan pizza to coastal seafood to craft beer brewed in Evanston, each concept brings its own flavor while staying true to the roots planted at Montrose Beach.

The Heart Remains the Same

Fifteen years later, the ingredients that started it all have not changed. Authenticity, fun, and a deep commitment to creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and make memories continue to guide everything we do.

Whether it is a sunset cocktail at The Dock, a weekend brunch with friends, or a lively night at Double Clutch Brewing Company, every experience reflects that same spark that began with two friends and one big idea.

Looking Ahead

As the 15th season at The Dock comes to a close, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has shared a summer with us. For the live bands, the bartenders, the regulars, the first-timers, and the countless sunsets, thank you for being part of this story.

Here is to 15 years on the sand and to the many chapters still to come.

The Vandalay Brands beach restaurant teams closed out the season on October 14th with an annual staff celebration.

About Vandalay Brands: Vandalay Brands is a Chicago-based restaurant group built on creating authentic, memorable dining experiences. What began in 2010 with a single concept at Montrose Beach has grown into a diverse portfolio of restaurants spanning Italian, seafood, breweries, and more. Every concept is united by a commitment to quality, community, and hospitality.