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Chicago Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Immigrant brothers work as a doctor and lawyer, but at Lollapalooza they're the Donut Dudes
Going to night prayer at 3 a.m. wasn't always easy for Khader and Mohammed 'Moe' Zahdan when they were boys, so their dad used a little fatherly ingenuity to encourage them — he took them to a local donut shop afterwards. That fostered a love of donuts in the brothers, who also inherited an entrepreneurial streak from both their parents, and eventually led them to open Donut Dudes at 10301 S. Kedzie Ave. a few years ago in Mt. Greenwood. They've since expanded to a kiosk at 10559 S. Harlem Ave. in Chicago Ridge, and are regular vendors at Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. Now, they're planning to open a new drive-thru business in Hometown at 87th Street and Pulaski Road. All of that was in the future when Khader was in medical school and Moe was studying law. Today Khader is an emergency physician at Northwestern Medicine Palos Health in Palos Heights and Moe has a solo practice in civil law, which includes contract disputes, promissory notes and leases. They grew up in the south suburbs, where Khader still lives, while Mohammed now lives in Darien. Their donut shop has become a creative outlet to their busy and sometimes stressful professions. Their offerings include classic donuts as well as those topped with extra ingredients, such as the Oreo Overload and Strawberry Crumble. They also came up with Frost-Bites, which they describe as 'the Midwest's first hot pressed ice cream donut sandwich.' They just started selling s'more donuts and are about to debut a tasty turkey/cheddar cheese sandwich on a yeast-raised ring donut. 'We didn't make our base extremely sweet, we made it more neutral,' Khader said about the donut sandwich. 'We could do it with English muffins, but that doesn't give you the same flavor.' The Donut Dudes started thinking sweet during the pandemic, when both needed to isolate and wanted more than workouts and indoor entertainment. 'We were cooped up in the house, me and my siblings and we tried making donuts,' said Khader, who has two other brothers and seven sisters. 'We gave some to our cousins, friends, parents and everyone was giving us positive feedback. 'We tried a bunch of random, weird things. We tried making them fluffy, soft, we were very experimental with toppings, tried putting cookies or Reese's Pieces on donuts. We made one where we melted Jello on it,' he said. Younger brother Ali was their expert taste tester, and they include him as a casual business partner. But their desire for experimenting and getting creative with the little things started much earlier with their parents. Khader said their mother used to help them with their art and science projects. 'My mother (Dana) is a very creative woman,' said Moe, adding she also sews aprons, quilts and mittens. 'It was definitely a household that encouraged creative minds.' Establishing themselves in their professions and then becoming business owners gave the brothers the confidence to branch out even further into new endeavors. 'I recently got into building this new gazebo in the backyard,' said Moe. 'I was never that type of person. Once you become an entrepreneur, it gives you that confidence you can try anything.' Khader said his dad, Ahmad, encouraged him to go into medicine. An electrical engineer, his dad later went into business and realized that profession alone could be taxing. 'My family valued education,' added Khader. 'They always wanted us to do the best at school. 'I think especially as immigrants, one of the best ways to give yourself opportunity is through education,' Khader said. Khader said they had found ways to avoid being too overwhelmed. 'I think it's perception … If you have the perception I'm doing what I want to do, that kind of changes it. We really want to see this business expand and grow. It's kind of our baby.' Among the biggest Donut Dudes supporters are the Zahdan's friends and relatives. 'I'd frequent the establishment, even if he wasn't my friend,' said Jud Mustapha who lives in Orland Park and has known Khader for years. 'I actually worked at a Middle Eastern bakery before and have always been a fan of sweet things. Their donuts are phenomenal.' Mustapha goes there once or twice a week, sometimes bringing his nieces and nephews. 'I like blueberry and red velvet but when taking nieces or nephews, the Cookie Monster or Strawberry Crumble are favorites,' he said. 'It's always helpful to have a cup of coffee there to keep my head up when I'm leaving with the young ones.' Bridget Forbes, executive director of the Mt. Greenwood Community and Business Association, recently went to the donut shop for the first time and came away impressed. 'Meeting Khader was like a warm sip of community spirit,' Forbes said. 'You can feel the passion he delivers at the store as well as in every bite and brew that is served.'
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mayor Brandon Johnson open to future Chicago NASCAR race, suggests date change
CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson is open to NASCAR returning to Chicago, but hinted Tuesday the city may need a better deal before stock car drivers again race through its streets. NASCAR has 90 days to request a contract extension with the Chicago Park District. If the racing authority wants to win city leaders over, it could need to change race dates, the mayor said Tuesday. 'The Fourth of July is already, quite frankly, it is a heavier burden for our law enforcement because of so much activity,' Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. 'It's something that will be part of the larger discussion if, in fact, NASCAR returns, what is the optimal time.' Pressed on what else the city might need to approve another race, Johnson stayed tight-lipped, promising only that 'there will be a lot of things that we will discuss.' Whether the city and NASCAR can find dates that fit into both schedules is a key question. A NASCAR spokesperson declined comment Tuesday. The 2026 and 2027 races, the prior contract negotiated by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, would be held on mutually agreeable dates. But the park district did confirm in the original contract that the 2023 event and staging window — July 4th weekend — 'is acceptable for potential 2026 or 2027 events.' NASCAR is reportedly in separate negotiations with officials in San Diego to host a street race there in 2026. The potential San Diego race may be in addition to Chicago, or supplant it. A negotiation window with Chicago officials could be narrow: NASCAR announced last year's cup schedule last August. It featured 38 races between February and November, breaking briefly in May and June. Considered the city's front lawn, Grant Park already has a packed schedule in the warmer months, including Lollapalooza, Suenos, Blues and Jazz fests, Taste of Chicago, the half marathon, and various other festivals. Downtown aldermen say moving the race is critical to winning their approval. The Fourth of July is a 'family-oriented' weekend when Chicagoans should have free access to Grant Park, Ald. Bill Conway, 34th, said. 'If you're going to have it again, please don't have it on July 4th weekend,' Conway said. 'We should choose to do it a different weekend if we choose to do it at all.' Conway also said the city should recoup costs tied to the event 'at a minimum' and added that he hopes construction and tear-down times continue to improve. The racing authority has become more efficient in its set-up and communicated well with residents to resolve initial concerns, he added. 'If we can get those things ironed out, I think it would be good to have NASCAR back. Chicago shines on the world stage, and it's clear Chicago gives NASCAR that platform,' he said. Conway said Johnson previously told him a city decision on the event's future would come after this year's race. The mayor on Tuesday promised 'far more people are going to be involved' as future races are considered. 'We should have input, we should be involved in this process,' Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, said. Hopkins argued Lightfoot failed to bring in others when she landed the deal to bring the race to Chicago. He declined to cast judgement on whether the race should continue. It seems the city comes out slightly ahead financially, but weeks-long street closures still make the race hard to justify, he said. The city's cut has long been a point of contention with NASCAR skeptics. The 2025 payment includes a $605,000 base permit fee, plus $2 per ticket sold and 25% of net commissions on food, drinks and merchandise sold at the event. NASCAR must pay the non-permit cut within a 90-day window after the event. In the fall of 2023, Johnson and NASCAR also memorialized an additional $2 million payment for 2024 and 2025. That payment was supposed to help compensate the city for public safety and other costs. NASCAR also agreed to continually slim down its setup and takedown window to reduce inconvenience to drivers and downtown residents. The city came out slightly ahead last year, thanks in large part to that $2 million payment and fewer roadwork improvement costs. NASCAR officials point to the broader economic impact as a point in their favor — plus added amusement taxes that flow to the city and county. Leslie Recht, who leads the Grant Park Advisory Council, said she's urged Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa, a close Johnson ally, to push for more money from the company and an even quicker set-up and takedown. 'For me, it's still too long,' Recht said, stipulating that other advisory council members don't mind it. 'All the disruption in Grant Park, if you compare it to Lollapalooza or Suenos or some of the other events, they come, they go. They're a much less impactful situation in Grant Park than NASCAR and they don't pay enough … Lolla and Suenos together pay $12 million. It's ridiculous.' The city must be careful with how it uses Grant Park, because 'it is for everyone,' Ald. Lamont Robinson, 4th, said. But NASCAR has so far been a 'good neighbor,' he added. 'I think we need as much revenue as we can get in the city of Chicago,' Robinson said. ____
Chicago Tribune
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Mayor Brandon Johnson open to future Chicago NASCAR race, suggests date change
Mayor Brandon Johnson is open to NASCAR returning to Chicago, but hinted Tuesday the city may need a better deal before stock car drivers again race through its streets. NASCAR has 90 days to request a contract extension with the Chicago Park District. If the racing authority wants to win city leaders over, it could need to change race dates, the mayor said Tuesday. 'The Fourth of July is already, quite frankly, it is a heavier burden for our law enforcement because of so much activity,' Johnson said at a City Hall news conference. 'It's something that will be part of the larger discussion if, in fact, NASCAR returns, what is the optimal time.' Pressed on what else the city might need to approve another race, Johnson stayed tight-lipped, promising only that 'there will be a lot of things that we will discuss.' Whether the city and NASCAR can find dates that fit into both schedules is a key question. A NASCAR spokesperson declined comment Tuesday. The 2026 and 2027 races, the prior contract negotiated by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, would be held on mutually agreeable dates. But the park district did confirm in the original contract that the 2023 event and staging window — July 4th weekend — 'is acceptable for potential 2026 or 2027 events.' NASCAR is reportedly in separate negotiations with officials in San Diego to host a street race there in 2026. The potential San Diego race may be in addition to Chicago, or supplant it. A negotiation window with Chicago officials could be narrow: NASCAR announced last year's cup schedule last August. It featured 38 races between February and November, breaking briefly in May and June. Considered the city's front lawn, Grant Park already has a packed schedule in the warmer months, including Lollapalooza, Suenos, Blues and Jazz fests, Taste of Chicago, the half marathon, and various other festivals. Downtown aldermen say moving the race is critical to winning their approval. The Fourth of July is a 'family-oriented' weekend when Chicagoans should have free access to Grant Park, Ald. Bill Conway, 34th, said. 'If you're going to have it again, please don't have it on July 4th weekend,' Conway said. 'We should choose to do it a different weekend if we choose to do it at all.' Conway also said the city should recoup costs tied to the event 'at a minimum' and added that he hopes construction and tear-down times continue to improve. The racing authority has become more efficient in its set-up and communicated well with residents to resolve initial concerns, he added. 'If we can get those things ironed out, I think it would be good to have NASCAR back. Chicago shines on the world stage, and it's clear Chicago gives NASCAR that platform,' he said. Conway said Johnson previously told him a city decision on the event's future would come after this year's race. The mayor on Tuesday promised 'far more people are going to be involved' as future races are considered. 'We should have input, we should be involved in this process,' Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, said. Hopkins argued Lightfoot failed to bring in others when she landed the deal to bring the race to Chicago. He declined to cast judgement on whether the race should continue. It seems the city comes out slightly ahead financially, but weeks-long street closures still make the race hard to justify, he said. The city's cut has long been a point of contention with NASCAR skeptics. The 2025 payment includes a $605,000 base permit fee, plus $2 per ticket sold and 25% of net commissions on food, drinks and merchandise sold at the event. NASCAR must pay the non-permit cut within a 90-day window after the event. In the fall of 2023, Johnson and NASCAR also memorialized an additional $2 million payment for 2024 and 2025. That payment was supposed to help compensate the city for public safety and other costs. NASCAR also agreed to continually slim down its setup and takedown window to reduce inconvenience to drivers and downtown residents. The city came out slightly ahead last year, thanks in large part to that $2 million payment and fewer roadwork improvement costs. NASCAR officials point to the broader economic impact as a point in their favor — plus added amusement taxes that flow to the city and county. Leslie Recht, who leads the Grant Park Advisory Council, said she's urged Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa, a close Johnson ally, to push for more money from the company and an even quicker set-up and takedown. 'For me, it's still too long,' Recht said, stipulating that other advisory council members don't mind it. 'All the disruption in Grant Park, if you compare it to Lollapalooza or Suenos or some of the other events, they come, they go. They're a much less impactful situation in Grant Park than NASCAR and they don't pay enough… Lolla and Suenos together pay $12 million. It's ridiculous.' The city must be careful with how it uses Grant Park, because 'it is for everyone,' Ald. Lamont Robinson, 4th, said. But NASCAR has so far been a 'good neighbor,' he added. 'I think we need as much revenue as we can get in the city of Chicago,' Robinson said.
Chicago Tribune
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Today in Chicago History: Daniel Burnham unveils his Plan of Chicago
Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 4, according to the Tribune's archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. What to do in Chicago for Fourth of July weekend: Wu-Tang Clan, patriotic music in Grant Park and fireworks at Navy PierWeather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) 1836: Construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal commenced at Canalport on the Chicago River. 1847: The first recorded sports competition was mentioned in the pages of the Tribune. About 5,000 spectators gathered to watch three contestants compete in a half-mile race: a quarter-mile to a pole, around the pole, then back to the starting point. The three contestants were described as a barber named Louis Isbell, a Native American named White Foot and an unidentified 'pioneer' atop a horse. Isbell beat White Foot by inches. The horse finished third due to his inability to cut the corner at the quarter-mile pole. This cost the horse and its pioneer rider their early lead. The report did not mention whether there was place or show betting. 1909: Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago was unveiled. 1916: Municipal Pier (later known as Navy Pier) opened. 1929: Chicago Cubs outfielder Hack Wilson, irked at the bench jockeying by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Ray Kolp, jumped into the Cincinnati dugout, seeking to punch his tormentor. Wilson was ejected from the Cubs' victory. That night, while both the Cubs and Reds awaited their trains in Chicago's Union Station, Wilson punched out Reds pitcher Pete Donahue. 1931: George Lott — who called himself 'the best doubles player ever' — won both the men's doubles and mixed doubles championships at Wimbledon. The Big Ten champion at the University of Chicago in the 1920s won his second Wimbledon doubles title in 1934 and had five U.S. Championships doubles titles. Lott coached DePaul University's tennis team into his 80s. 1940: The American Negro Exposition, showcasing Black people's accomplishments in the 75 years since Juneteenth, opened at the Chicago Coliseum. 1973: Billy Goat Tavern owner Sam Sianis and goat Socrates arrived at Wrigley Field in a limousine, but were turned away at every gate. Sianis' uncle and another goat were banned from Wrigley Field almost 28 years prior. Eleven years later, Sianis — and a goat — were finally allowed inside the ballpark. 1980: Taste of Chicago debuted on North Michigan Avenue. At the time, the city's big summer blowout was a different event — ChicagoFest. 1991: The Replacements played the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park as part of a free concert during Taste of Chicago. It would be the band's last concert for 22 years. Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago's past.
Chicago Tribune
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Taste of Chicago music headliners including Lupe Fiasco announced for 2025
Taste of Chicago is coming back to Grant Park Sept. 5-7, according to an announcement Friday from the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Music headliners include the Chicago-born rapper Lupe Fiasco, R&B singer JoJo and Latin superstar Elvis Crespo. 5 p.m. Chicago Made artists 6 p.m. Terry Hunter 7 p.m. Lupe Fiasco 5 p.m. Chicago Made artists 6 p.m. The O'My's 7 p.m. JoJo 5 p.m. Chicago Made artists 6 p.m. To be announced 7 p.m. Elvis Crespo Along with music on the mainstage, there will be a roster of Chicago SummerDance performers turning Buckingham Fountain Plaza into a dance party and a lineup for the Goose Island Stage announced at a later date. This summer's Taste will have 45 food vendor booths in all, according to the announcement. New offerings include Beat Kitchen Cantina, ChefLife19, Chillafry, Crave Cookies, Dao Thai Restaurant, Hubbard Inn, Khmai, Lexington Betty Smoke House, Nitro Nostalgia Ice Cream and Board Game Cafe, and Thimi's Empanadas. Returning food vendors include Eli's Cheesecake, African Food Palace, BJ's Market & Bakery, Churro Factory, Connie's Pizza, Franco's Ristorante, Harold's Chicken #55, JJ Thai Street Food, Porkchop, Prime Tacos, Moore Poppin Gourmet Popcorn, The Original Rainbow Cone and Yum Dum. Taste of Chicago is free admission and vendors will not use food tickets again this year. Before the main event in Grant Park, three neighborhood events will take place on June 28 in Marquette Park (6743 S. Kedzie Ave.); on July 19 in Pullman Park (11101 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) and Aug. 9 in Albany Park (Kimball Avenue between Lawrence and Leland), all running noon to 8 p.m. with live music, food and SummerDance.
