Enjoy “What’s on Dec” this week on ABC TV “Windy City Live!”

Click here to see Rockit Ranch CEO Billy Dec‘s inside scoop on the best parties, fests, games, concerts, events.. on his latest Thursday 9am weekly ABC TV segment called “What’s on Dec” on “Windy City Live!”

Tags: abc, billy dec, chicago, chicago events, chicago festivals, chicago suburb events, chicago weekend events, concerts in chicago, Entertainment Contributor, family events, news, Weekend, weekend events, What's on Dec, windy city live

#Foodiechats will Share Our Strength and Rockit for No Kid Hungry

#Foodiechats ”Food Trends” 2-Year Celebration Fundraiser

Monday, May 13, 2013

Hosted by Rockit Ranch Productions @ Rockit Bar and Grill

5:30pm-8:30pm

Benefactor: No Kid Hungry

#Foodiechats is very excited to bring people together from all over the world for our 2-year celebration fundraiser. Our theme for the evening is “Food Trends.”

Our event will be taking place on Twitter of course and live in Chicago, at Rockit Bar and Grill. All ticket proceeds will benefit the amazing charity, No Kid Hungry.

Those in Chicago who want to attend our event, click “Donate Now” and in the “Other,” field enter your donation of $46 to attend our celebration.

You may be wondering why $46 to attend…One $46 Donation provides one child with one year of meals!

Included in your $46 donation will be incredible cuisine provided by Sunda, Ay Chiwowa, and Rockit Bar and Grill.  Each restaurant will set up as a pop up restaurant inside Rockit Bar and Grill! You’ll have a chance to feast on three of Rockit Ranch Productions Restaurants all in one night!

#Foodiechats is a Hashtag Twitter Chat every Monday 7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST- hosted by Founder, Steve Green.

Through the power of our Hashtag #Foodiechats, Foodies from around the world join in the conversation. We’re excited to “Share Our Strength” as a community during our 2-year celebration to provide hundreds of children with a year of meals for only $46! How amazing!

To our #Foodiechats community all over the world who are unable to attend, your help during this one of a kind Live an Online event will help make a difference. We ask that you donate what ever you can afford; even $5 helps their cause.

We look forward to eating and tweeting with all of you! Join #Foodiechats every Monday on Twitter at 7pm CST/8pm EST

Check out out #Foodiechats 1-year Video:

Steve Green – @steveGOgreen

Founder of #Foodiechats

Tags: "Food Trends" 2-Year Celebration Fundraiser, 2013, @Foodiechats, and Rockit Bar and Grill, Ay Chiwowa, billy dec, cuisine provided by Sunda, events on Monday, foodie events in chicago, May 13, no kid hungry, rockit bar and grill, rockit ranch productions, share your strength, steve go green, Steve Green - @steveGOgreen Founder of #Foodiechats

Billy Dec Discusses State of Restaurant Industry on WBBM FM Radio Business Hour

Andy Giersher of WBBM’s Noon Business Hour discusses today’s Restaurant Industry with Rockit Ranch Productions’ CEO/Founder, Billy Dec! Click this link to listen: WBBM FM Radio Noon Biz Hour

Billy and Andy cover various elements of dining and nightlife experiences including ::

1.) Visiting restaurants for an “elevated entertainment experience” …to be part of a community

2.) Why are restaurants so noisy

3.) Changing restaurant trends due to the recession

4.) Where Chicago stands in the US and the World as a “restaurant city”

5.) Can people really work their way up from the bottom to the top in a restaurant career

6.) The restaurant industry’s affect on local jobs

Tags: 105.9FM, 780AM, andy giersher, billy dec, CBS Radio, chicago, community, culinary, Employment, Entertainment Industry, Fine Dining, foodie, Lunch Money Friday, News Radio, Noon Business Hour, Radio, reality tv, Recession, Restaurant Industry, restaurants, rockit ranch productions, talent, trends, WBBM

Rave Runs Bring New Style to Chicago’s 5k

Hey Chicago!  I’m Kendall Rozell, the newest addition to Billy Dec’s intern team at Rockit Ranch Productions.  I have never been too keen on going for a run – the part that really excites me is listening to my favorite type of music, electronic dance.  So when the new trend of the Rave Run started spreading around Chicago, I knew I had to join in!

While running can be very serious and solitary, why not change it up by running in a 5k with glow sticks and dance music but still benefitting great causes?  This running season the Chicagoland area is being treated to three different glow-in-the-dark races

On Saturday, April 27th join runners from all over Chicago at Grant Park for The Rave Run.  Where adrenaline pumping music and special effects lights will pave the way of the course.  The Rave Run focuses on being happy and healthy as you run into a nocturnal world of lights.  The proceeds go to benefit local Chicago charities that are announced closer to the date of the race.

If you can’t make it then, try Living Social’s Glow-in-the-Dark 5k Dance Party on Saturday, June 1st at Soldier Field!  This race allows you to run around the stadium, and then join all the other participants for an after-party on the field, where the Bears play!  The proceeds help Mercy Corps and d.light bring 500 solar lanterns to schoolchildren in Somalia, so they can read and study at night.  So run in lights for lights!

Finally, on Saturday, June 15th try running again in Grant Park for The Glo Run.  It’s the same deal, a 5k at night with great music and lights!  The proceeds benefit Back on My Feet, which uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change how they see themselves!

It doesn’t matter which one you choose because they all have one thing in common…glow swag, dancing, and after parties.  Celebrate your love of running with these new, innovative, charity-driven races!  If it can get me running, then I’m willing to bet these are going to be fun!  If you have any additional questions visit The Rave Run, Living Social, or The Glo Run for more details.

-Kendall Rozell

Tags: Back on My Feet, billy dec, charity, chicago, d.light, dance, dj, electronic dance, Glo Run, glow in the dark, glow sticks, grant park, house music, intern, lights, Living Social, Mercy Corp, Music, neon, rave, Rave Run, rockit ranch productions, running, Soldier Field, Somalia, techno

Common Threads Celebrates 10 Years With World Festival at Soldier Field

Hi Chicago! Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jessica Ortiz and I’d like to thank Billy for his support throughout the years. Billy has been a close family friend for some time now after being a student of my dad’s at Chicago- Kent Law School. One thing I admire most about him is how much he gives back to Chicago, especially to the children. I  found my place at the Chicago-based nonprofit Common Threads in 2012 and knew exactly who to contact as I quickly became a Chicago foodie. Who else puts more photos of food on social media than Mr.Dec?

Common Threads is holding the 7^th Annual World Festival at Soldier Field on Monday, March 4^th from 6- 9 PM to celebrate the organization’s 10^th anniversary!

Based in Chicago and founded in 2003 by Chef Art Smith and his partner, artist Jesus Salgueiro, with founding CEO Linda Novick O’Keefe, Common Threads has been teaching school-based nutrition education programs to underserved communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Palo Alto and Washington D.C. for ten years.

Bravo’s “Top Chef” judge Gail Simmons, ChicagoNow’s Candace Jordan, and Rockit Ranch Productions’ Billy Dec are among attendees joining the Chicago-themed celebration.

The World Festival will feature dishes specially prepared by top chefs including: Girl & The Goat’s Stephanie Izard, Sunda’s Jess De Guzman,  Slurping Turtle’s Takashi Yagihashi, Mercadito’s Patricio Sandoval, Boka’s Carl Shelton, Socca’s Roger Herring, Belly Q’s Bill Kim, Table Fifty-Two’s Rey Villalobos, among many more.

“This is an example of the power of the chef community,” said O’Keefe. “These chefs have rallied from around the world in support of Common Threads and our greater mission – to educate families about the importance of nutrition and physical wellbeing.”

The event  kicks off with an exclusive $1,000 VIP Chef Experience, where generous epicurean guests will board a trolley with Gail Simmons and Telepan Restaurant’s Bill Telepan for Kendall College, where students from Small Threads classes will prepare a meal before heading to Soldier Field for the main event.

General admission tickets: $250 (Provides chef hats and aprons for 15 students)

World Festival Sneak-Peak VIP tickets: $500 (Provides one 2-hour cooking class for 16 students)

The James Hotel After-Party tickets: $150

Click here to purchase tickets.

The evening will feature a live fund-to-need auction, with all proceeds going directly to Common Threads programs. Common Threads is also conducting a silent online auction, February 19 – March 12!

Bon Appetit!

-Jessica Ortiz 

Tags: Belly Q, Bill Kim, billy dec, Boka, Bravo’s “Top Chef” judge, candace jordan, Carl Shelton, ChicagoNow, Gail Simmons, Girl & The Goat’s Stephanie Izard, Kendall College, Mercadito, Patricio Sandoval, Rey Villalobos, rockit ranch productions, Roger Herring, Slurping Turtle’s Takashi Yagihashi, Socca, Sunda’s Jess De Guzman, Table Fifty-Two, Telepan Restaurant’s Bill Telepan

Looking for Spring 2013 interns at Rockit Ranch Productions!

The CEO of Rockit Ranch Productions, Billy Dec, is currently looking for Spring interns! We are looking for outgoing, fun, energetic people who love Chicago, believe in our brand, want to work hard, learn a tremendous amount and have a strong grasp on the current and up and coming social media platforms and trends.

Internship qualifications:

• Age 21 +
• Interest in entertainment/restaurant/nightlife
• Interest in social media
• Flexible scheduled
• Detail oriented
• Good researching skills
• Strong writing skills
• Strong communication Skills

Internship duties will include, but not limited to:

• Assist on the production of weekly TV segment
• Research & writing blog posts about arts, entertainment & culture in Chicago
• Edit and produce short videos
• Interactive/Social Media Marketing
• Manage & update daily aChicagoThing.com Facebook & Twitter accounts
• Assist with the creation and execution of RRP Events

*This internship is unpaid, requires a minimum of 20 hours and can qualify for school credit. Interested and qualified applicants please respond.

Please email your resume to Amanda Rivera at arivera@rockitranch.com if you’re interested!

Thanks,

-Amanda Rivera 

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Burberry Art Of The Trench featuring Billy Dec

Burberry asked me a few months ago to participate in a movement called “Art of the Trench” – they explained it as a living document of the trench coat and the people who wear it. The project is a collaboration between Burberry, fans of the brand and the world’s leading image makers.

I of course was honored and more than happy to participate, Burberry is an iconic legend! I’m also very excited to celebrate the opening of their flagship store at 633 N Michigan Avenue this Thursday. Scroll through to see the trench flanking influencers from Chicago to Mumbai to Rio de Janiero and many more. (And yes, I’m geeking out at my poster on Michigan Ave!)

Tags: Art of the Trench, billy dec, Burberry, chicago, fashion, Flagship Store, michigan avenue, Trench Coat

It’s Raining Cats and Dogs! Well, kind of

I hope your calendar is clear this Friday night.  Why you ask?  Because it will be raining cats and dogs of course!  Ok, not literally.  But it’s the Anti-Cruelty Society’s 12^th Annual Fall Benefit, appropriately named: It’s Raining Cats & Dogs!  What can you expect from this extraordinary event (and I can assure you, it will be extraordinary)?  Here’s the inside scoop.

The Anti-Cruelty Society is Chicago’s oldest and largest private, open admission, unlimited stay humane society – helping to find “forever homes” for cats and dogs.  Through various programs and services like low to no-cost adoptions, spay/neuter clinics, cruelty investigations, humane education, charity veterinary clinics, dog training classes, and so forth, the organization helps over 50,000 animals and humans every year.

While supporting this remarkable cause at Chicago’s famous Palmer House Hilton hotel, you’ll be noshing on fabulous food prepared by the city’s finest chefs.  Some teasers?  Amanda Downing of Rockit Bar & Grill and Rockit Burger Bar (who doesn’t love what has been named “the best burger” in town by Good Morning America & Citysearch?), Patricio Sandoval of Mercadito (authentic Mexican cuisine, yum!), Ryan Pitts of RL (that’s right, the man behind Ralph Lauren’s iconic restaurant is on-board), John Coletta of Quartino (you can finally enjoy this rustic Italian restaurant that is jam-packed every weekend WITHOUT the wait), and Jeffrey Sills of Sprout (no explanation needed) will all be in attendance – to name just a few.  And in case you were wondering, complimentary cocktail bars will be stationed around the room.

NBC5’s Stefan Holt will be emceeing the evening which, in addition to the mouthwatering menu, will feature music from The Flat Cats, non-stop dancing, an old time photo booth, a cash raffle, a live & silent auction – including a safari trip to South Africa!, and adorable, ADOPTABLE cats & dogs serving of course as your host committee.

Individual tickets are $175 in advance or $200 at the door.  Better yet, Billy Dec has a few on-hand that you can enter to win.  Catch his regular “What’s on Dec” segment on Windy City Live tomorrow morning at 9:00am for all of the details.

So, is your calendar clear?  I’m assuming it will be now.  Enjoy!

-Kara Blasquez 

Tags: adopt cat, adopt dog, Amanda Downing, animal welfare organization, Anti-Cruelty Society, authentic Mexican food, benefit, best burger, billy dec, cash raffle, charity, chicago events, Citysearch best burger, finest chef, forever homes, Good Moring America best burger, It’s Raining Cats and Dogs, Jeffrey Sills, John Coletta, live auction, local cause, Mercadito, NBC, NBC5, Palmer House Hilton, Patricio Sandoval, photo booth, Quartino, Ralph Lauren restaurant, RL, rockit bar & grill, Rockit Burger Bar, Ryan Pitts, silent auction, Sprout, Stefan Holt, The Flat Cats, top chef, What's on Dec, windy city live

Create the best late night Bar/Restaurant! Rockit Ranch bought Martini Ranch. You choose the concept Chicago! (update by Billy Dec)

UPDATE 10/19/12- THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! The most voted for concept for our next venue was a play on a “Mexican Dive Bar” at 39% of the votes- so as of right now, we will proceed now in that direction!!!!! Please help us spread the word to hire the best staff for this project, and for positions available at our other Restaurants/Bars/Nightclubs…at our Open Call for Jobs this Monday 10/22/12 from 2p-530p at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard). See: http://bit.ly/SAOFyP & email HR@RockitRanch.com for info.

Thank you all so much for your valuable input! More to come!***

Surprise!  We found a unique opportunity and bought Martini Ranch!  Not only is it one of the few 4am licenses left in the city, and walking distance from our other River North properties Sunda, Dragon Ranch, Underground & Rockit, but tons of Chicagoans from all over (like my partners Brad Young, Arturo Gomez & I) have meaningful history enjoying this local gem w/friends for the last 20+ years! Haha- I even was a bouncer there when I was 21!

So… now what? What should we do with it?  We figured you all have been so critical to our success with your insightful & caring suggestions on what we can  do to serve you better, that we thought we’d let you have a say too! We’d probably open it around the new year, just in time to send our late night crowd & employees there from Underground, while we give UG a fresh new look during the slower winter months of 2013. Which means we need to know what route to take now! 

[poll id="3"]

We will tally all votes and announce our decision in early October!  Thanks all and spread the word to all your friends via Twitter, Facebook, email (please use share buttons here too).. we want to hear what they think too!

AND since we are growing- WE ARE HIRING! Positions include experienced Servers, Bartenders, Managers, Hosts, Security, Cooks, Sous Chefs, Mixologists… At Rockit, Sunda, Underground, Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ and whatever this new concept will be! Email HR@RockitRanch.com if interested!

Tags: 4am, arturo gomez, Bar, Best, billy dec, brad young, chicago, Dive Bar, Dragon Ranch, facebook, late night, Martini Ranch, New concept, restaurant, river north, rockit, rockit ranch productions, sunda, the underground, twitter, Voting

“Boardwalk Empire” Michael Shannon and Billy Dec Host 20th Anniversary of A Red Orchid Theatre

Michael Shannon of HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and villain General Zod in the upcoming blockbuster, MAN OF STEEL, is currently receiving rave reviews for his performance in the Broadway production of GRACE.

Soon he will come home to Chicago for one exciting night of celebration with the theatre company he co-founded 20 years ago to Host with Billy Dec the 20^th Anniversary of A Red Orchid Theatre on Mon, Nov 12th. This fantastic benefit evening will start with an exclusive VIP Dinner at Sunda New Asian, and continue at The Underground with a cocktail party and auction, featuring an EXTRA WALK-ON ROLE* in HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, an amazing Napa experience, phenomenal Bears tickets, a thrilling night in Vegas, and much more!

Tickets are going fast and can be reserved online at www.aredorchidtheatre.org or by calling (312)943-8722. Join Billy Dec, Michael Shannon and A Red Orchid Theatre’s Ensemble to celebrate in style the 20^th anniversary of this acclaimed, cutting edge theatre company! *(non-speaking, non-credited). – Jen Sultz

Tags: A Red Orchid Theatre, billy dec, Boardwalk Empire, broadway, General Zod, Grace, hbo, Man of Steel, Michael Shannon, sunda, Superman, the underground