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
![Frown](images/smilies/frown.gif)
).
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.