On June 5, 2026, Chicago lost one of its most beloved culinary souls. Chef Isaac "Wavy" Bradley was tragically killed in the Back of the Yards shooting — a devastating loss not only to the food world, but to everyone who ever had the joy of sharing a meal he prepared or simply being in his presence.

Wavy was the kind of person who made you feel at home the moment you met him. Raised on the South Side, his love for cooking was born in his mother's kitchen and carried into everything he created. Over 19 years, he brought that same love to millions.

I invited Wavy to come on board when we decided to open Soul Shack — and from that day forward, he became my partner through it all. Together we built something special. His artistry was behind Mikkey's Restaurants, Litehouse Whole Food Grill, Soul Shack, Chemistry Steakhouse, and Stussy's Diner. He helped dozens of chefs and restaurants find their voice. He fed over 10 million people who fell in love with his food.

Just this morning — the very day we lost him — Wavy had his final meeting to launch Wavy's Soul Rolls nationwide. That dream will live on. His name will live forever.

We are raising these funds for his son, Jamari (graduating high school next year), and the Bradley family, to help ease the financial burden during this unimaginably difficult time. If his food ever touched you, if his spirit ever moved you — please give what you can. Every dollar goes directly to his family.