Eric Babula is a Chicago-based chef originally from central Missouri. He moved to Chicago in 2002 to attend Le Cordon Bleu's culinary arts program. He finished with a 2-year degree in under a year and proceeded to immerse himself in Chicago's hospitality scene gaining experience in varying concepts.

Chef Babula enjoyed stints as head chef at RA sushi, sous chef at Waldorf Astoria and corporate executive chef at Waterhouse Group. Chef Babula then worked into a regional chef position with Bottleneck Management starting as a sous chef at the Oak Brook, IL location but within months, was quickly promoted to executive chef of the original Old Town Pour House. Shortly thereafter, Eric was promoted to regional chef where he opened 10 restaurants across the country under the City Works brand, an upscale beer and food-driven concept. Most recently, Chef Babula served as regional executive chef for Punch Bowl Social, opening both the Arlington, VA and Milwaukee, WI locations. 

Outside of work, Chef Babula loves to cook, garden, bike, explore new restaurants and travel with his wife of 10 years. 

Hubbard Inn