Historic Eatery, Svea Restaurant in Chicago's Andersonville district, secures a $50,000 grant designed specifically for historic dining establishments
In the heart of Chicago's Andersonville neighbourhood, a beloved establishment has been awarded a significant boost. Svea Restaurant, a cherished fixture since 1932, has been chosen as one of this year's recipients of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program grant.
Established in 1932, Svea Restaurant has been a staple in the community for nearly a century. Over the years, it has undergone various transformations, with Kurt Mathiasson, the late owner, purchasing the restaurant in its current form in the early 1970s.
Svea Restaurant is not just a dining destination; it's a piece of Chicago's Swedish history. A wall within the restaurant is dedicated to the history of the city's Swedish community, as per the Edgewater Historical Society. Kurt Mathiasson, the restaurant's former owner, was also the founder of the Swedish American Museum.
The Backing Historic Small Restaurants program is a joint effort by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program aims to help small or independently owned restaurants improve their businesses and benefit their communities. Each year, the program issues grants of $50,000 to 50 restaurants across the country.
Svea Restaurant was awarded a $50,000 grant in 2021, joining a growing list of historic small restaurants that have benefited from the program. To date, the program has awarded a total of $8 million in grants, benefiting 180 restaurants across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In Chicago, Svea Restaurant joins the ranks of Old Fashioned Donuts in Roseland, which received a grant in 2024, and Jeff's Red Hots in Portage Park, a recipient in 2023.
Svea Restaurant is renowned for its Viking Breakfasts and is a popular destination for breakfast and brunch in the area. Currently owned by Scott Martin, who also owns the historic Simon's Tavern, Svea Restaurant continues to be a beacon of Chicago's Swedish heritage.
According to the museum, Kurt Mathiasson was known for entertaining guests at Svea with Swedish songs. Today, under the leadership of Scott Martin, Svea Restaurant continues to honour its rich history while providing a welcoming space for the community to gather and enjoy a meal.
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