Urban Farm in Riverwest Adds Event Space
Crops on Top debuts plant-filled venue for year-round events and private bookings.
Elevated Acre, an event venue run by Crops on Top. Photo taken May 8, 2026 by Sophie Bolich.
With a name like Crops on Top, growth is non-negotiable.
As co-owner Joel Lichosik nurtures arugula, radishes and herbs at his urban farm at 3522 N. Fratney St., the operation is also expanding beyond its groomed beds and into an adjacent upper-level event space at 3700 N. Fratney St.
The plant-filled venue, known as Elevated Acre, includes a 16-seat dining table and lounge area with room for up to 49 guests. It was a natural evolution for Lichosik, a lifelong chef who launched Crops on Top with his brother, Jamie, in 2021.
What started as a sustainable food project has evolved into a weekly garden market and local vendor for nearby restaurants. Lichosik also uses his homegrown ingredients for seasonal dinners held at the farm itself.
“The idea was to see what we could do locally for the neighborhood, and that kind of rolled into using some of the food for events, and that rolled into this,” he said, noting that Jamie, along with building owner Steve Mathison, was behind the venue’s design.
While Lichosik plans to continue hosting outdoor dinners in the warmer months, Elevated Acre will allow him to hold events year-round. He’ll also welcome reservations for private parties and is open to collaborating with hosts for food service ranging from buffet-style to multicourse meals.
“At this point in my life and career, it definitely feels good to find a balance of producing, making and feeding the people,” he said. “As I see it, this would be every chef’s dream, just to have that latitude.”
The farm’s current harvest includes arugula, salad mix, tatsoi, rhubarb, microgreens, oyster mushrooms, radishes and asparagus, along with honey from on-site beehives, while beets, carrots, fennel, tomatoes, peppers and more are soon to come.
“There’s dinners where your whole menu can be vegetables,” said Lichosik, who taps Stefano’s Slo Food Market for locally raised meats.
Produce from Crops on Top will be available for sale or incorporated in upcoming meals at the farm, including a June 26 pairing dinner organized in partnership with Amorphic Beer and a July 24 garden party.
To purchase tickets or view a schedule of upcoming events, visit the Crops on Top website. Rental inquiries for Elevated Acre can be submitted to cropsontopfarm@gmail.com.
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