CheSa's Bistro Will Celebrate Fourth Anniversary
The Avondale gluten-free restaurant plans a major expansion following four years of business.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Dining Out
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CheSa's Bistro & Bar, a Chicago-based Cajun-Creole restaurant, will mark its fourth anniversary on October 20, 2026. The establishment plans to grow its footprint with a second location expected to open within four to six months.
Why it matters
Founded by Chef CheSa Rollins after her own 2013 celiac disease diagnosis, the restaurant provides a dedicated gluten-free environment that excludes peanuts and shellfish. Its expansion aims to serve more diners requiring specific dietary safety measures.
The current restaurant occupies 1,800 square feet, while the upcoming expansion will measure nearly 6,000 square feet. Chef Rollins utilizes rice and potato flour as wheat alternatives to maintain a fully gluten-free kitchen.
The players
CheSa Rollins
She is the chef and founder of CheSa's Bistro & Bar who transitioned from a 14-year food truck career to brick-and-mortar dining.
CheSa's Bistro & Bar
This Chicago-based establishment specializes in gluten-free Cajun-Creole cuisine and currently operates out of the Avondale neighborhood.
The details
Located in Avondale at the intersection of Addison and Kedzie, the restaurant operates as a fully gluten-free facility to eliminate cross-contamination risks. Chef CheSa Rollins, who spent 14 years operating a food truck, founded the bistro to ensure safe dining for those with celiac disease.
Timeline
2013: Chef CheSa Rollins was diagnosed with celiac disease.
October 20, 2026: CheSa's Bistro & Bar celebrates its fourth anniversary.
Next 4 to 6 months: The restaurant expects to open a second location.
Culture Shift
The expansion follows the broader rise of dedicated allergen-free dining establishments, reflecting a shift toward prioritizing dietary inclusion in the restaurant industry. This growth mirrors a trend where specialized kitchens scale up to serve the growing population of diners with autoimmune conditions.
The upcoming opening of a 6,000-square-foot second location will significantly increase capacity for local diners seeking strictly gluten-free and allergen-aware meals. This expansion provides a larger, more accessible venue for residents navigating dietary restrictions in the Chicago area.
The takeaway
Diners with specific health-related food requirements should look for establishments that verify their entire facility as allergen-free to ensure total safety. Supporting restaurants that specialize in these needs encourages the wider hospitality industry to adopt more inclusive dining standards.
Further reading
Discover more about the local culinary scene in our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rolling Out.
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