A beloved Chicago chef was among two people killed in a mass shooting that left at least five others injured in the city’s Back of the Yards neighborhood last week.
Friends, business partners and community leaders are remembering Isaac “Chef Wavy” Bradley as a gifted chef, entrepreneur and mentor whose impact on Chicago’s Black-owned restaurant community extended far beyond the food he served.
Those who knew him say his death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
“This is literally the nicest human being you will meet,” said Erik Rico Nance, president of Erik Nance Enterprises and one of Bradley’s longtime business partners. “He is the definition of hospitality, the definition of love.”
Nance said he first met Bradley nearly a decade ago and quickly realized he had a unique talent for elevating restaurants and creating memorable dining experiences. According to Nance, Bradley helped transform concepts including Chemistry Chicago, Soul Shack, Lighthouse Diner and other ventures while also lending his expertise to countless restaurant owners across the city.
“He was a master artist when it came to food,” Nance said during an interview with NBC 5.
Friends say Bradley was known not only for his culinary skills, but for his willingness to help others. Nance said Bradley often showed up for friends and neighbors without expecting anything in return.
“He always shows up for everybody,” Nance said. “The moment that I realized he died, I had to look at myself and say, ‘man, I need to start loving more like him.’”
According to Nance, Bradley had been preparing to expand several of his food concepts and products, including items that were nearing wider distribution opportunities. He said Bradley remained focused on growing businesses while creating opportunities for others in the community.
Community activist and businessman Ja’Mal Green described Bradley as “a light” in the community.
“He fed people with his hands and his heart,” Green said. “He wasn’t a storm in a community, he was a light.”
Green announced he is contributing money toward a reward fund aimed at helping investigators solve the case.
“I think that someone needs to step up,” Green said. “I’m stepping up, and I’m starting a reward at $5,000. If you’ve seen something, please say something.”
Both Green and Nance said Bradley’s influence reached far beyond his own restaurants. Nance estimated that Bradley helped numerous Black-owned restaurants get started, often providing guidance and support without compensation. Green said Bradley’s work helped shape Chicago’s urban restaurant scene and influenced many establishments across the South Side.
As friends and family mourn his death, many are focused on preserving Bradley’s legacy and supporting his son.
“He loved his son. He loved all kids,” Nance said. “He just was an amazing, amazing man.”
Those closest to Bradley said they hope his impact on Chicago’s restaurant community and the lives he touched will not be forgotten.
