Nostalgic…that’s how Gregg Schumacher felt when he learned Jim Grabowski would be inducted into the University of Illinois Hall of Fame at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History last June 15th.
Jim and Gregg were teammates on the 1963 Fighting Illini football squad that won the 1964 Rose Bowl Tournament. Of course, playing in the “Granddaddy of Them All” is the thrill of a lifetime for any gridiron athlete, but Gregg also never forgot the fantastic Prime Rib his team enjoyed at Lawry’s Beef Bowl in our Beverly Hills restaurant before the big game. Filled with a competitive spirit, the players were determined to out-eat their Washington Huskie Rose Bowl rivals. Gregg doesn’t remember the unofficial beef tally, but the history books recorded Illinois’ decisive 17-7 New Year’s Day victory.
Fifty-five years later, Gregg organized a celebratory dinner at Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Chicago the night after the induction ceremony honoring Jim, who had gone on to broadcast their alma mater’s football games for twenty-six seasons.
Former teammates and their wives gathered together from Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina as well as from around Illinois for an unforgettable evening of great food and fond recollections.
We’re happy Lawry’s The Prime Rib could help create even more memories for a terrific group of guests.
Lawry's The Prime Rib — Chicago
100 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
