Celeste Teams Up With Rockit Cofounder in River North

The owners of Celeste, the celebrated River North nightclub, have teamed up with the co-founder of another neighborhood lynchpin (Rockit Bar & Grill, which closed in 2019), to open a new restaurant and bar with upscale Mexican food later this summer.

It’s called Vela — it’s replacing Hogsalt’s 3 Greens Market at 352 W. Hubbard Street, in the shadow of East Bank Club — and will feature dishes like pork belly with mole, a pibil made with Iberican pork collar, and a tlacoyo stuffed with mushrooms and salsa. Tortillas will be made with corn imported from Mexico, according to a news release. A rep says Vela’s menu will showcase Mexico City’s street food and more classic elegant dishes with creative regional dishes.

The space has room for 120 and has been redecorated with lime wash and stucco walls, plus natural wood herringbone flooring. Customers will see handmade Venetian chandeliers near the entrance and glass-beaded chandeliers in the private dining room. Celeste has a particular decadent style for its bar program. There’s a marble-topped bar shaped like an oval with an illuminated carousel displaying bottles of agave.

Arturo Gomez, who co-founded (along with Billy Dec and Brad Young) of Rockit Ranch Productions, joined brothers Nader, Fadi, and Rafid Hindo in July 2023 and formed Celeste Group. Their venues are Whiskey Bar, Deco Supper Club, and DISCO (and the rooftop Garden). A rep says more concepts are upcoming. They’ve brought on chef Jorge Angulo as executive chef of the new company.

They’re hoping for a summer opening. Check back for more details.

Vela, 352 W. Hubbard Street, planned for a July opening