Food reporter Steve Dolinsky exits NBC 5 for Levy Restaurants
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Steve Dolinsky. Photo: Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg
After three decades on local television, food reporter Steve Dolinsky is calling it quits.
The latest: Dolinsky announced Monday he is leaving NBC 5 to join Levy Restaurants.
- He will be a culinary connector and collaborator across Levy, which operates food service at restaurants, stadiums and convention centers.
What they're saying: "Thirty years covering the same beat in the third largest market is quite a run," Dolinsky tells Axios. "I can't wait to deploy all of my skills for Levy, while still getting to do what I love but now getting to approach things on a national scale."
Flashback: Dolinsky started his career reporting on Chicago's food scene at CLTV in the mid-'90s. In the 2000s, he became the lead food reporter at ABC 7. He left the station for NBC 5 in 2021.
- He also reported for Chicago radio station WBEZ.
Zoom in: Dolinsky has been an advocate for Chicago's foodie scene, which exploded during his time covering it. He has won 13 James Beard awards and two Emmys.
Zoom out: Chicago news stations have significantly shrunk their coverage of food. Dolinsky was one of the last reporters dedicated to covering the culinary arts, as most stations have moved coverage to general reporters.
- "Over the past three-plus years, 'The Food Guy' grew to become one of our most popular franchises on NBC 5 News," NBC 5 Chicago General Manager Kevin Cross tells Axios. "In addition to shooting, editing, fronting, etc. on every single segment, Steve delivered each of his episodes with passion and a true joy to be able to share his experiences with our viewers."
What's next: While Dolinsky ends his television tenure, he'll still be running his Pizza City Fest, which will return to Chicago in August and Los Angeles next spring.