MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom officially opens its newest Kansas location inside the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center, two leaders behind the project say the goal from the start has been clear: build a restaurant that reflects Hutchinson’s identity, serves both travelers and local residents, and contributes meaningfully to the community.
Sumit Patel, senior representative of the ownership group behind the hotel and restaurant, said Thursday’s grand opening marks the culmination of a multi-year effort to bring the project to life.
“This has been a long time coming,” Patel said. “We’re very excited to be a part of the community. There hasn’t been a warmer community than Hutchinson, Kansas. Everyone here has been so welcoming and supportive of both the hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, Old Chicago and the convention center.”
Patel said the choice of Old Chicago was deliberate, noting the synergy between the restaurant brand and the hotel’s vision.
“It’s a good fit. It’s good synergy with the hotel brand,” he said. “A lot of hotels want big, fancy restaurants, but that’s not really what this town calls for. Old Chicago has a great, balanced menu. It’s approachable and inviting, and we’ve designed the interior to feel elevated and modern, but still comfortable.”
Director of Operations Dylan Nevola, who is overseeing the Hutchinson location, said the design of the restaurant was shaped with both convenience and local engagement in mind.
“This is a very unique design,” Nevola said. “We wanted to give it kind of an airport-esque feel, where you can sit in the hotel lobby or inside the restaurant. A hotel guest can come right in, but the public is equally welcome.”
One special design touch allows guests to order drinks or appetizers from the lobby while they wait for a table, creating what Nevola described as a more relaxed, flexible experience.
“We sell pizza and beer, but we also have a lot of other menu options,” he said. “Our goal is consistent quality. Whether you’re here or at another Old Chicago across the state, you should get the same great food. And every seat in the restaurant is positioned so you can see at least one — and often two or three — TVs.”
Nevola said Hutchinson was a strategic selection for the chain’s ninth Kansas location because of its strong civic culture and the owner’s previous ties to the community.
“When we come in, we like to be in communities like Hutch,” he said. “We get involved. The owner has done a couple of projects here before, knew the area well, and saw an opportunity.”
Local presence is already integrated into the décor. A row of football helmets from area high schools and Hutchinson Community College are in the dining area, with more expected to arrive.
“Our plan from day one was to be involved in the community,” Nevola said. “We want to showcase how great this community is. With the addition of the convention center, there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for Hutch, and we want to be part of that story.”
Old Chicago is also partnering with the Cosmosphere, which will rotate space-themed art displays in the adjoining hotel lobby.
Patel said the success of the opening is due to the people behind the scenes.
“Our employees, our team, our staff are so excited to serve this community,” he said. “We want Hutchinson to feel proud of this space.”
Old Chicago Hutchinson is now open daily, offering its full menu of pizza, taproom selections, and family-friendly dining options.