Calumet Fisheries, a treasured smoked fish shack on the Far South Side of Chicago, has recently reopened after being closed for several months due to an electrical fire in November 2023. The restaurant’s co-owner Mark Kotlick expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the loyal customers who have patiently waited for the restaurant’s return. The family-owned establishment has been in business for 76 years and holds a special place in the hearts of many customers.
The early morning visitors were greeted with the sounds and aroma of the fryer busy cooking pounds of shrimp and fish. Customers like Jody Healy, who has been coming to Calumet Fisheries for years, eagerly lined up to enjoy their favorite dishes. Healy’s go-to dish is the shrimp, but she also highly recommends the phenomenal smoked fish. John Gonzales and his wife Melissa, long-time customers from the neighborhood, were ecstatic to see their beloved restaurant back in business after the devastating fire that caused its closure.
For many in the community, the reopening of Calumet Fisheries is a nostalgic return to a cherished neighborhood spot. The sense of joy and appreciation among customers is palpable as they share memories of past visits and eagerly dig into their favorite dishes. The restaurant’s comeback is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Kotlick family and their loyal customers who have supported them throughout the years.
