Stussy's Diner Transforms Painful Past into South Side Success

Chicago restaurant owned by family attacked decades ago now provides meals to the homeless and celebrates community.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Stussy's Diner, located in the same building where the owner's family was attacked and locked out decades ago, has become a thriving community hub in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. The restaurant, which hit $1 million in revenue in its first year, is Black and female-owned and provides meals to people without housing. Stussy's is participating in Chicago Black Restaurant Week, showcasing its mission-driven approach to business.

Why it matters

This story highlights how a family-owned business was able to reclaim and transform a site of past trauma into a welcoming community space. Stussy's Diner's success demonstrates the power of resilience, representation, and giving back in the face of historical exclusion and violence.

The details

In 1979, when Erik Nance was just a year old, his family was attacked near the building that now houses Stussy's Diner. People in the apartments above the restaurant threw eggs and shouted racist slurs at the family in their car. When Nance's father, Willis, got out of the car, about a dozen white men came after him with baseball bats. The family tried to seek refuge in the Bridgeport Restaurant, which operated at that location for over 75 years, but the staff refused to let them in. Years later, Nance saw the building was available and decided to transform the space, opening Stussy's Diner in August 2024. The restaurant, which is Black and female-owned, hit $1 million in revenue in its first year, with the co-owners crediting their authenticity and commitment to the community as keys to their success.

  • In 1979, the Nance family was attacked near the building that now houses Stussy's Diner.
  • Stussy's Diner opened in August 2024.

The players

Erik Nance

The owner of Stussy's Diner, who saw an opportunity to reclaim and transform the space where his family was attacked decades ago.

Willis Nance

Erik Nance's father, who was attacked by a group of white men near the building that now houses Stussy's Diner in 1979.

Yasmin Fowler

The co-owner of Stussy's Diner and Erik Nance's goddaughter.

Dahlia Beckett

The co-owner of Stussy's Diner.

Bridgeport Restaurant

The restaurant that operated at the same location as Stussy's Diner for over 75 years before closing in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Years later, my godfather has opened up a few really successful businesses. They drove by and saw that the place was available, and he saw it as an opportunity to transform the space and give it back to the community.”

— Yasmin Fowler, Co-owner of Stussy's Diner and Erik Nance's goddaughter (Fox32Chicago)

“It's truly a fulfilling feeling. Just seeing people gather here and come together, relax, hang out with their friends. It's amazing.”

— Dahlia Beckett, Co-owner of Stussy's Diner (Fox32Chicago)

“Susie's is really a place for young adults and people alike to come and feel safe and to enjoy themselves, to be serviced by good people that look like them.”

— Yasmin Fowler, Co-owner of Stussy's Diner and Erik Nance's goddaughter (Fox32Chicago)

“Feeding the homeless has been a part of my godfather's mission from the beginning of his businesses and his business ventures even going back to lighthouse, which started probably over 15 years ago. Now, he has always sought out to help those who needed it without a question.”

— Yasmin Fowler, Co-owner of Stussy's Diner and Erik Nance's goddaughter (Fox32Chicago)

“It's important for us to pour back into those that are pouring into us. And like I said, the neighborhood has shown us so much love, so it was only right for us to do that.”

— Dahlia Beckett, Co-owner of Stussy's Diner (Fox32Chicago)

What’s next

Stussy's Diner will continue to participate in Chicago Black Restaurant Week, which runs through February 22, showcasing its mission-driven approach to business and community engagement.

The takeaway

Stussy's Diner's transformation of a site of past trauma into a thriving community hub demonstrates the power of resilience, representation, and giving back. The restaurant's success highlights how mission-driven businesses can reclaim and revitalize neighborhoods, providing a safe and welcoming space for all.