Bears announce Kabob-It as third and final 2024-2025 Small Business All-Pros winner

The Bears on Monday announced Kabob-It as the third and final winner of the 2024-2025 Small Business All-Pros program, presented by PNC. From Dec. 23 to Jan. 5, Kabob-It will be featured across the Bears’ digital platforms and social media as well as in-stadium promotions at Soldier Field during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 26.

Located at 5706 S. University Ave. in Hyde Park, Kabob-It Restaurant has become a staple in the University of Chicago community, known for its comforting, authentic and innovative cuisine. Open Monday to Saturday, the restaurant’s menu blends healthy Mediterranean fare with comforting Halal-certified options, creating a dining experience that draws in food lovers seeking fresh, high-quality, healthy meals.

Founded by Chef Maisha Oliver Muhammad, Kabob-It was created to bring the flavors of home to the dining experience. Maishaʼs journey began in 2015 as a supervisor at Hutchinson Dining Commons on the University of Chicago campus, where she dreamed of opening her own business and providing nourishing, healthy food for the community. Gaining experience in numerous dining roles, Maisha partnered with Chartwells Higher Education to open Kabob-It in 2021. Her vision is to provide a welcoming, family-friendly environment where community members gather to enjoy authentic, healthy cuisine.

“At Kabob-It, we believe good food does more than fill the stomach—it nourishes the body, uplifts the spirit and brings people together,” Muhammad said. “With every dish we serve, we aim to create a welcoming space where fresh flavors meet warm connections and honors our roots, because food tastes best when it feels like home.”

When Bears fans stop by Kabob-It, they can enjoy special kabob platters and snackable menu items, along with football viewing parties where guests can watch the game on big screens while savoring freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine with a healthy “soul food” twist.

Kabob-It’s menu offers a wide range of dishes designed to cater to various tastes. Their signature kabobs are a standout favorite, featuring options like tempura-battered vegetarian kabobs, 24-hour marinated herb and spice chicken kabobs, boneless Halal chicken kabobs with bell peppers and onions and fresh salmon kabobs. Guests can also enjoy entrees such as Jamaican curry chicken, garlic-lemon and herb chicken, lollipop drumsticks and smoked beef brisket. Vegan diners are offered selections like smoked jackfruit “brisket,” stuffed bell peppers and eggplant marinara.

Kabob-It’s dedication to community service goes beyond its restaurant operations and game day viewing experience. The business supports local initiatives by providing monthly meals to under-resourced, homeless youth through the Kindness Campaign to the Hyde Park Youth Symphony, the University of Chicago Organization of Black Students and through donating meals to a local group home for African American adult males living with autism. These initiatives aim to promote a sense of belonging and foster support within the community.

For more information on Kabob-It Restaurant and to explore their menu, visit: www.kabobitrestaurant.com.