Bahama Shack Rolls into Chicago with the Flavors of the Bahamas

Bahama Shack, a new Bahamian-inspired food truck led by Bahamian-born Chef Courtney Neil, is bringing island flavors to the University of Chicago campus and communities across Chicagoland. With catering available now and its official street rollout expected summer 2026, the mobile concept introduces Chicagoans to the cuisine of The Bahamas — a culinary tradition still largely underrepresented in the city’s food landscape.

Launching from the University of Chicago campus, Bahama Shack reflects a new kind of food truck model: rooted in campus life, but built for the broader community. Designed to serve as both an everyday dining destination and a mobile culinary experience, the truck will serve students, faculty, neighborhood residents, office teams, hospital and university employees, and Chicagoans seeking out a street-food experience. Bahama Shack will also be available for events, neighborhood festivals, cultural celebrations, corporate lunches, brand activations, collaborations, weddings, private parties, and catering throughout Chicagoland.

Chicagoans can preview Bahama Shack at University of Chicago’s 2026 Catering Showcase on Thursday, May 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Polsky Exchange, located at 1452 E. 53rd St.

Chef Courtney’s culinary perspective is rooted as much in family tradition as formal training. Raised in The Bahamas, she grew up surrounded by generations of women cooking with instinct, generosity, and care — experiences that continue to shape her approach to food and hospitality today.

“Bahamian food is bold, soulful, and made to be shared,” said Chef Courtney Neil. “Bahama Shack is my way of bringing a true taste of home to Chicago — food that feels welcoming, energetic, and deeply connected to community. Whether guests find us on campus, book us for a private event, or follow the truck around the city, I hope every dish offers a real introduction to the flavors and spirit of The Bahamas.”

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with degrees in Culinary Arts and Culinary Nutrition, Food Science, and Product Development, Chef Courtney has worked in kitchens including Ballyhoo Hospitality’s Jackman & Co. and Coda di Volpe, as well as Disney’s California Grill and Hollywood Brown Derby. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned home to work alongside her father at his medical practice, developing nutrition-forward meal plans and recipes for patients — an experience that further shaped her belief in food as both nourishment and connection.

The Bahama Shack menu draws directly from Bahamian and Caribbean cooking traditions, featuring signature items including:

• Conch Fritters — Fresh conch with vegetables and herbs, deep fried in a savory batter.
• Crack Conch & Crack Chicken — Hand-tenderized and fried crisp.
• Whole Fried or Steamed Fish — Whole snapper prepared island-style, either pan-fried in a savory tomato-based sauce or seasoned with lime and pepper.
• Pigeon Peas & Rice — Aromatic seasoned rice with pigeon peas and herbs.
• Guava Duff — fresh guava wrapped in sweet dough, finished with a buttery guava rum sauce.
• Switcha — Fresh-squeezed Bahamian limeade.

The full menu also features Smash Burgers, Beef Patties, Ken’s Fried Chicken, Bahamian Mac & Cheese, Rum Cake, Goombay Punch, and signature house sauces including Goombay Sauce and Calypso.

Chicagoans can experience an early taste of Bahama Shack at the UChicago Catering Showcase on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Polsky Exchange, located at 1452 E. 53rd St. in Chicago. The event highlights the full breadth of UChicago Catering’s capabilities — from boxed lunches to plated dinners and private events — with Bahama Shack featured alongside local partner vendors including Pak’s Sushi, Carver 47, Sugar Bliss, and more.

Guests can expect live culinary action stations, interactive cooking demonstrations, cocktails and mocktails, tastings from participating vendors, custom screen-printed tote bags, raffle activations, and additional experiential elements throughout the evening. RSVPs are required and can be made online via Eventbrite.

Catering inquiries are now open for private events, corporate gatherings, campus functions, festivals, neighborhood events, and brand activations across Chicagoland. Once the truck officially rolls out, guests will also be able to “track the Shack” live to find upcoming stops, service locations, and community appearances.