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SBIF Client Feature Story: Dock’s Great Fish

05/06/2024|SomerCor|Bars/Restaurants, Chicago, Client Success Stories, SBIF Grant

Grantee Profile

Dock’s Great Fish has been in Chicago for over 35 years, known for its famous “Fishwich Sandwich.” Ready to serve more customers, Corey and Mary Bradford transformed a vacant cell phone retail store into a new Dock’s location in Morgan Park’s Marshfield Plaza. This seafood restaurant will feature fan favorites as well as menu items with a Caribbean twist.

SBIF Grant Impact (119th & I57)

In September of 2020, the Bradfords applied for the SBIF grant.

We were extremely nervous about opening a restaurant at the height of COVID, but our faith along with our belief in the Morgan Park Marshfield Plaza location was strong. We were so excited to find out about and apply for the SBIF grant – it was the final piece to the puzzle and definitely assisted in making a dream come true! The funds helped enable us to completely transform the space into a first class fast casual restaurant.

The scope of work for this SBIF project included a full kitchen renovation, including the installation of commercial exhaust fans, a new fire suppression system, sinks, and floor drains ; installation of an ADA compliance restroom; HVAC system upgrades; electrical work including interior lighting throughout; and the installation of two (2) walk-in coolers and two (2) walk-in freezers.

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Dock’s Great Fish is Open for Business!

Dock’s is now open in Marshfield Plaza and they’ve included Carribean Jerk items too! Visit https://docksfish.com/ or stop by their Morgan Park location at 11710 S. Marshfield Ave.

Learn More About the Small Business Improvement Fund

Launched in 1999, Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund promotes economic development by providing reimbursable grants for permanent building improvement. Landlords, owner/operators, and tenants (with landlord approval) are eligible to apply. Residential projects are not eligible.

SomerCor is the program administrator contracted by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. Learn more about the program and apply by visiting www.somercor.com/sbif.