As a RR resident, I am somewhat sympathetic of any complaints that stem from the fact that we are getting a chain Mexican restaurant in Phoenix (RIP to the old Paz

).
But anything about losing the "artsy" nature of the row, or of the space being too big, or of the operator being a chain is totally overblown. Just around the corner is the Palma/Ghost Donkey/Châm Pang Lanes concept. That is a huge space, and it's operated by a MUCH larger group than the Federales folks. Nobody cares, because it's a cool space and it works in the neighboorhood. The people opening Federales have lots of great bar concepts in Chicago, I'm optimistic they will open a space that will be a great addition.
The guys who own Pedal Haus and Wilderness are big boys, they will be OK--anyone who has been in the RR area recently knows how busy those places are.