Chip Brooks and Chris Dungan, go-owners of the Arlington Heights music venue, Hey Nonny, just celebrated their eighth anniversary of the listening room concept. During those eight years, Hey Nonny has drawn national acclaim for its intimate theater and wide diversity of acts.
Hey Nonny co-owners Chris Dungan, left, and Chip Brooks
Yet, late last month, the partners announced they were putting the venue up for sale, though they continue to offer live music every day, both in the studio and in the dining area.
“We’ve created a wonderful music treasure – something that both audiences and musicians love,” Dungan says. “After eight years of operations, it’s time for someone else to continue its development.”
Earlier this year, Brooks and Dungan doubled down on their commitment to being a music venue. They committed to booking music daily in both the listening room — and in the former dining area, where they have added a stage and now call it The Lounge.
“We’ve got a great line-up for our Social Sessions in the Lounge series,” Brooks says. “These are no, or low-cover-charge shows, that are meant to accompany fun cocktails, conversation and great barbeque.”
Additionally, Brooks and Dungan are offering the Hey Nonny real estate – a 4,000 square-foot commercial condominium – for sale, with the business.
Hey Nonny’s intimate listening room has drawn national recognition.
“People could make a lot of different uses of our space,” Brooks says. “But it is designed as a great music venue, and we are planning on someone stepping in to Hey Nonny here regardless of their interest in purchasing the real estate. We’ve got bookings already into the spring of 2027.”
The two owners have retained broker Kudan Group to handle the sale, because of Kudan’s experience in other Chicago music venue transactions, including FitzGerald’s, the Hideout and the Green Mill. Based on Kudan’s experience with other venues, the two partners expect that the process will take time.
“Our goal is to have Hey Nonny continue as a music venue, with lots of new energy and ideas,” Dungan says. “Our venue is just a great intimate room for music – it’s made for that.”
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