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19 October 2001
Robert Feder
Chicago Sun-Times
Ex-Loop boss hopes restaurant draws media
When Jimmy deCastro was running WLUP-FM (97.9) in the 1980s, he
used to fantasize about opening a bar and grill where he and all
of his friends could hang out with Loop stars, celebrities, sports
figures and media people.
Now that he's no longer in the business, his dream is finally coming
true.
DeCastro, who cashed out of radio after 25 years, has teamed up
with Glenn Keefer, former manager of Ruth's Chris Steak House and
the Palm in Chicago, to open Keefer's, a new upscale restaurant
at 20 W. Kinzie. Famed chef John Hogan is at the helm.
With opening festivities planned for next week, less optimistic
entrepreneurs might worry that these troubled times aren't exactly
ideal for launching a new venture. But not so deCastro.
"At a time when the city and the media would like to see each
other happy and smiling again, this will be the place to make it
happen," he said. "I'm hoping it will become a media hangout
like the Palm was in the old days."
As one of radio's premier showmen, deCastro parlayed success at
the Loop to become co-founder and president of Evergreen Media Corp.
and vice chairman of AMFM Inc. With the merger of AMFM with Clear
Channel Communications, he exited in February 2000.
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