Schatz Development

Located on the top floor of 610 North Fairbanks Court, the Chez Paree was Chicago’s premiere dinner cabaret of the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. The Chez, as it was called, ranked among the country’s top nightclubs in an era when supper clubs were king. It was the most successful nightclub in Chicago for much of its 28-year history, from the time of Depression-era breadlines to post-World War Two prosperity.

Performers who played the Chez Paree included Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Durante, Sophie Tucker, Milton Berle, Kitty Carlisle, Lena Horne, Danny Thomas, Shecky Green, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Sam Levenson, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis, Jr., Liberace, and Pearl Bailey.

Clubs like the Chez thrived by giving people an opportunity to see the famed stars of radio and the silver screen. By the 1950’s, however, the expense associated with an evening at the supper club made television a more attractive alternative. As television matured, supper clubs declined, and the Chez Paree ultimately closed its doors in 1960 following a final performance by Steve and Edie Gorme.