Co-Owners

Johnny and Cheryl moved to Chicago from San Francisco in June of 2023, taking over Teddy Bear Lounge in August of that same year. Johnny has been in the industry for quite some time. He convinced Cheryl that they should buy the bar and together, they have turned it into a neighborhood community hot spot. Johnny will be busy creating the home made olive brine for Cheryl’s favorite martini.

Co-Owners

Cheryl and Johnny have a passion for the Avondale neighborhood and the people that they have met thru Teddy Bear. They are thrilled that it has become a place where the entire community feels safe to gather and share friendships. You will often find Cheryl in the bar drinking her favorite cocktail, Pappa Art’s dirty martini (named after her dad), and talking to all the regulars.

Head Bartender

Chad joined Teddy Bear Lounge in June of 2025. You will find him at the bar jamming to a variety of 80’s new wave music, mixing great cocktails, and talking to customers about anything and everything including Corey Feldman’s current whereabouts. Questions about whiskey? He’s your guy.

Bartender

Josh joined the Teddy Bear crew in October 2025 via Central Park Bar. He’s a rock star bartender that you will find serving up great cocktails while jamming to metal/punk and wearing a bedazzled belt.

Bartender

Nate, also known as Our Epic Rum Dude, joined the Teddy Bear team in November of 2025. With his great acting background, he’s become central to our TikTok videos.