New 'Chi-Raq Cuisines' Restaurant Creating Stir

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chi-Raq is a controversial name for Chicago, usually associated with violence. But now, Chi-Raq is the name of a new business on Chicago's South Side.

CBS 2's Audrina Bigos went to get the story behind it and all the stir the name is causing.

Chi-Raq Cuisines isn't getting the warmest of welcomes to the neighborhood. Some love it, and some hate it.

But all the sizzling happening inside, all the chopping, and the jerk seasoning, it's all 21-year-old Antwan Jeffries' new pride and joy.

"I was thinking of Chitown, but at my age, it's called Chi-Raq," Jeffries said. "It's not to glorify it but it's just what we grew up calling it."

He's from the South Side, came out of selling drugs to get his GED and go to culinary school. Now, Chi-Raq Cuisines is his business venture, one he named to be an eye-catcher.

"I'm from Chi-Raq and I once was a part of the problem and I've now become a part of the solution," Jeffries said.

Antwan hopes that anyone who has a problem with the name, won't judge a book by its cover. He asks you to look past the name and enjoy the food.