Trader Todd's Celebrated 25 Years in Chicago
The Lakeview bar marked its quarter-century anniversary with a special menu reveal.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Italian Food
Trader Todd's has officially reached its 25th anniversary of operations in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. To commemorate the milestone, the bar introduced a signature pizza created for Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Why it matters
Local establishments like Trader Todd's serve as community anchors, and such anniversaries often highlight their role in the cultural life of the area. The introduction of a new menu item ties the milestone to both local sports figures and established neighborhood dining traditions.
Located at 3416 N. Sheffield St., the bar has served the Lakeview community for 25 years. The new PCA pizza features a combination of pepperoni, a cheese blend, and andouille sausage.
The players
Bill Gold
He is a co-owner of the long-standing Lakeview bar Trader Todd's.
Neil Lesneski
He is a chef who collaborated on the development of the venue's signature pizza recipe.
Pete Crow-Armstrong
He is a centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs who inspired the new bar menu item.
Lori Lightfoot
She is the former Mayor of Chicago who has previously visited the establishment for events.
Paul Vallas
He is a public figure and former political candidate known in Chicago who has appeared at the venue.
The details
Co-owner Bill Gold and Chef Neil Lesneski collaborated to debut the signature recipe, which was specifically designed for Cubs centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. The venue has historically played host to various local public figures, including a notable karaoke duet featuring former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Paul Vallas.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The Cooking up a Storm segment featuring the pizza recipe aired.
Roadmap
The 25-year tenure of Trader Todd's positions it within the context of the 2024 Chicago Restaurant Association legacy business recognition criteria. This milestone reflects the broader stability of long-running neighborhood establishments that maintain consistent local presence amidst shifting city trends.
Residents and fans visiting the Lakeview area can now order the newly developed PCA pizza as part of the bar's updated food offerings. The longevity of the site ensures that the venue remains a consistent staple for those seeking established nightlife and dining options in the neighborhood.
The takeaway
Small businesses that survive for over two decades often rely on evolving their menus to keep regular patrons engaged while celebrating their history. Recognizing these milestones helps residents appreciate the lasting impact local institutions have on their community character.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culinary scene in our Italian Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 Chicago.
