Michael Politz
Publisher
Food & Beverage Magazine Publications
From: Tyler Malec
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 12:28 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: GOOD AMBLER TO OPEN SECOND BAKERY LOCATION DOWNTOWN CHICAGO THIS SUMMER
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Tyler Malec
219.226.8441
tyler@kinshipcompany.com
IMAGES
GOOD AMBLER TO OPEN SECOND BAKERY LOCATION DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
THIS SUMMER
Catering to the Loop, the new quick-service location at Two North Riverside Plaza will feature an open-concept bakery, grab-and-go goods and a new lunch menu, opening June 22
CHICAGO (June 16, 2026) — Good Ambler
Executive Pastry Chef Meg Galus, a DeKalb native, will lead the new location, bringing a distinct Midwestern sensibility to her rigorous French-trained techniques. She is a three-time James Beard Awards finalist for “Outstanding Pastry Chef”, Jean Banchet’s “Pastry Chef of the Year” in 2017, and she was inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museum Chefs Hall of Fame in 2021. Chef Galus has led the pastry programs for some of Chicago's most acclaimed and Michelin-starred restaurants, including TRU and BOKA, as well as led high-profile openings for Somerset, Momotaro, Swift and Sons, and the Park Hyatt Chicago (NoMI).
Her philosophy is rooted in familiarity, creating seasonal items with craveable and approachable flavor combinations. Guests will be able to enjoy Good Ambler classics baked onsite daily. Everything at the bakery will be made from scratch behind a glass wall, fully visible to customers, showcasing the bakery’s earnest work.
“We think it’s important that we show our guests that everything in our bakery is made directly on-site and from scratch,” said Chef Galus. “We’re very excited to bring that level of authenticity to the weekday crowds in The Loop.”
The menu at Good Ambler’s Loop location will include new specials like their Commuter Combo, featuring the choice of coffee and a pastry together in a convenient carrier. Visitors will be able to grab morning staples like signature double chocolate croissants, Kouign-amann, banana bread, and blueberry muffins. Seasonal specials will include a Rhubarb Toasted Coconut Cruffin, Asparagus Ricotta Twist, and an Herb & Gouda Scone. Diners will also find Good Ambler’s signature handcrafted chocolates, curated collections of artisanal bonbons, and beloved confections.
Midday offerings will address The Loop’s demand for fresh lunch options, including soups, salads, croissant sandwiches, and housemade focaccia. Featured beverage options include drip coffee and cold brew from Hexe, iced and hot teas from Rare Tea Cellars, and chai from Freeman House Chai.
The full menu will be available for mobile order-ahead and quick pick up upon opening day. The bakery will also provide small celebration cakes, cookies, afternoon sweets, office catering and more.
Formerly the Chicago Daily News building, Riverside Plaza is one of Chicago’s oldest and best expressions of Art Deco architecture. “Our goal is to create neighborhood concepts in cool, historic spaces, and that’s certainly what we’re doing with the new location of Good Ambler,” said 16” on Center Managing Partner Bruce Finkelman. “We want to make our guests feel like they’re part of a community, giving them a taste of some of the best chefs in Chicago.”
Good Ambler opens on June 22 at The Pass at 2 N Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.goodambler.com
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About 16" on Center
Bruce Finkelman and Craig Golden formed 16" on Center (16OC), a hospitality collective, taking on projects and buildings in neighborhoods where they can't wait to hang out. Each restaurant, bar and venue within the collective is a stand alone business but 16OC exists to provide support and services to strengthen each and every one. The name 16" on Center is the construction term for a center mark that creates the strongest build, which is how they approach each project: creating the highest quality places that are meant to last. Their venues, bars and restaurants draw the local community out of their homes, enabling them to be part of their neighborhoods. For more information visit, www.16oncenterchicago.com
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TYLER MALEC
Media Relations Manager
he/him/his
C: 219.226.8441
www.kinshipcompany.com
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Why It Matters
Industry operators should watch for follow-on developments as this story develops.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
