Photo: 48th Ward Office

For 30 years loyal patrons have made Big Chicks bar at 5024 N. Sheridan their home. Owner Michelle Fire has shared her love for the community and in turn, the community has loved her back.

Through the years, Big Chicks has served the Chicago LGBTQ community. They represent a huge portion of her customer base, and have rallied behind her in the same way she has supported them. Undying friendship and loyalty have kept this community watering hole open for business and still going strong.

Currently celebrating three decades in business, 2016 has become a milestone year for the bar. Not only were they inducted into the Gay And Lesbian Hall of Fame this past November, a portion of Sheridan Road in front of the establishment has also been dedicated to them.

A new brown honorary plaque reading “Honary Big Chicks Way” will proudly hang above the street. The sign was unveiled in a ceremony with Alderman Harry Osterman last Friday.

“Led by the dynamic Michelle Fire, a local resident, Big Chicks has been a meeting place for people from every background. It is a place for neighbors to gather to celebrate highs in their lives and to deal with life’s challenges,” said Osterman in a statement. “Big Chicks and Tweet have been welcoming to everyone who has crossed their thresholds. Our community is indebted to Michelle Fire’s leadership, her family, and her staff.”

Stop by Big Chicks in the next few weeks to see the sign and help them celebrate their years of success and dedication to the community.