Chicago’s Tommy Gun’s Garage Closure Leads to New Opportunities

After an impressive 31-year run as Chicago’s longest-running interactive dinner theater, Tommy Gun’s Garage closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The well-loved show featured 1920s gangsters and flappers in a comedic revue. Northwest Indiana native Pat Pohrte, a Munster High School graduate from the class of 2007, played ‘Bugsy’ in the show. Determined to keep the spirit of the Roaring ’20s alive, Pohrte received support from the show’s original owners, Larry and Sandy Mangen, to start a new venture.

Joining forces with Mark Virkler, who played ‘Rocco’ at Tommy Gun’s Garage, and David Simmons, who also reprised his ‘Muscles’ role, Pohrte launched Vito’s Vault. Located at 5901 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, it features a 90-minute comedy musical revue paired with a three-course meal. For $80 a ticket, attendees select from five entrée options and enjoy access to a full cash bar. Reservations can be made by calling 773-493-4121 or visiting www.vitosvault.com.

For one night only, Pohrte will bring the speakeasy experience to Northwest Indiana. The event will take place at Beatniks on Conkey in Hammond on Thursday, July 23. Attendees will enjoy a $25 entry fee event without dinner, featuring themed mocktails available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7:15 p.m. Tickets can be obtained at the Beatniks on Conkey box office at 219-852-0848 or www.beatniksonconkey.com.

“Come step back to 1920s Chicago and enjoy an evening with Vito Valentino and his mugs and molls,” Pohrte invites. “Guests will experience witty gangster comedy and lively flappers as they are entertained with tunes from the ‘Golden Age’ of Prohibition.”

Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Makeover Impact

Freddy’s Steakhouse of Hammond recently appeared on ‘Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares,’ which premiered its third season on July 21. The episode highlighted a makeover at Freddy’s, revealing some challenges faced by owner Jim and the staff.

Following the episode, the establishment posted a response on their Facebook page to 8,000 followers. They acknowledged the challenges portrayed but emphasized the dedication of owners Jim and Tammy. Despite the edited show’s dramatics, Freddy’s maintains a reputation for good food at reasonable prices. The owners are committed to improving and have been active in the community, supporting their staff and connections.

Valparaiso Resident Competes on ‘Jeopardy!’

Grace Biermann, from Valparaiso, appeared on ‘Jeopardy!’ this week. She managed to secure a win on her first episode aired on July 21, correctly answering a ‘Final Jeopardy Challenge’ question about the Cuban Missile Crisis, garnering $32,000.

Biermann, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Humanities from Valparaiso University in 2021, worked at the VU Library until June 2024. Her successful streak on ‘Jeopardy!’ ended the following day, July 22, when another contestant, Ryan Dean, clinched victory with a ‘Final Jeopardy Challenge’ correct answer.

For more on Jeopardy and upcoming contestants, visit www.jeopardy.com.