CHICAGO — The smell of postseason baseball is in the air, and so is the aroma of free noodles — if the Chicago Cubs can pull off a win. As the Cubs prepare for a high-stakes NLDS clash against their division rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, one Chicago restaurant is turning that electric anticipation into an unforgettable community celebration.
Outside his cozy, colorful restaurant in Lakeview, Chef Tee of Cozy Noodles & Rice stood proudly this week holding a bright blue-and-yellow sign that quickly went viral across Cubs Nation. It reads:
“Dear Cubs Fans, if Cubbies win the NLDS Series, lunch will be on me. Tuesday, October 14, 2025!”
The sign, held with a beaming smile, has already become an online sensation — a symbol of Chicago’s undying love for its baseball team and its community spirit.
“This city lives and breathes the Cubs,” said Chef Tee, still wearing his gray apron and Cubs wristband. “After everything fans have been through — the heartbreaks, the near misses, the rain delays — they deserve to celebrate something special. If the Cubs win, everyone eats!”
The chef’s promise is no small gesture. Cozy Noodles & Rice, located just a short walk from Wrigley Field, has long been a gathering place for Cubs fans. Its walls are covered in baseball memorabilia, Cubs pennants, and photos from historic seasons — including a framed newspaper from 2016, when Chicago finally broke the 108-year curse. For Tee, the restaurant isn’t just a business — it’s a love letter to the team that unites his neighborhood.
“I remember 2016 like it was yesterday,” he said. “The energy, the laughter, the tears. That’s what Chicago baseball means to me. I want to feel that again — and I want everyone to share in it.”
The idea came to him last week after the Cubs clinched their spot in the NLDS following a thrilling Wild Card sweep. As fireworks burst over Wrigleyville and fans poured into the streets, Tee decided he wanted to give something back. Within hours, he had hand-painted his now-famous sign, placed it outside his restaurant, and shared a photo online. The post exploded — gaining over 100,000 views and drawing national media attention.
Fans from across Chicago have already pledged to stop by Cozy Noodles whether the Cubs win or lose. But for many, the message behind the gesture means even more than the free lunch.
“It’s about hope,” said longtime Cubs fan Michael Ortega, who stopped by the restaurant to take a selfie with the sign. “When you see someone like Chef Tee — someone who believes this much — it reminds you why you love this team in the first place.”
Inside Cozy Noodles, the excitement is already building. Staff members are preparing for what could be one of the busiest Tuesdays in restaurant history. The chef laughed when asked if he’s ready for the rush:
“I’ll be cooking nonstop,” he said. “But if it’s for a Cubs win, I don’t mind a single second of it.”
The Cubs face the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-five series starting this weekend, and the tension couldn’t be higher. The two teams have battled all season for NL Central supremacy, and now, only one can move forward to the NLCS.
Still, if you ask Chef Tee, the series isn’t just about baseball. It’s about faith — in the team, in the fans, and in Chicago itself.
“Win or lose, the Cubs bring this city together,” he said, smiling. “But if they win, let’s just say there will be a lot of happy, hungry people in Lakeview.”
As the first pitch approaches and the city braces for another postseason run, Cozy Noodles & Rice stands ready — pots boiling, flags flying, hearts full.
And somewhere between the scent of garlic and soy sauce, and the roar of the crowd echoing from Wrigley Field, you can almost taste it — the flavor of hope, the warmth of community, and maybe, just maybe, victory served with a side of free lunch.
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