On August 6th 2026, our friend Chris Abbey suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that left him unable to use the left side of his body. He is currently going through inpatient rehab to regain strength and mobility to return to life back at home. He needs help to not only keep his apartment and pay necessary bills while undergoing inpatient and subsequent outpatient rehab, but also to have a cushion for when he returns to life after this tragedy.

Chris is a long time fixture in the Chicago service industry and a beloved member of the community. Not only does Chris show up with 100% to his bartending jobs, he is also an artist who has a passion for sewing and design. Prior to the stroke, he enjoyed crafting and selling bags at markets in Chicago and did freelance design work for local businesses. As Chris returns to life outside of hospitals, we hope to support him by making the transition as seamless as possible.

Whether you know Chris from working alongside him behind the bar, sitting across from him listening to his takes on the Chicago beverage world, or enjoying a beer next to him at any of Chicago’s beloved watering holes; to know Chris is to love him. He has always been a generous, caring, and supportive friend. Chris has shown up for so many time and time again. Chicago isn’t the same without him; if you are able to give at all during this challenging time, we would be deeply appreciative. If this is a hard time to give, sharing is always appreciated. No one recovers alone - let’s show Chris Abbey that Chicago supports him!