The print-only newspaper ‘the pub’ opened a new production and events space in Bucktown on March 13, offering a physical hub for its growing readership. Ian Fugett, founder and editor-in-chief, said the publication aims to foster real-world engagement by distributing free copies to cafes and bookstores across Chicago.
The move comes as some readers look for alternatives to digital media and social platforms. The editors of ‘the pub’ maintain that their approach encourages people to interact with content on their own terms, rather than through online algorithms. “It feels a little more special to you because you’ve chosen to engage with it. To me, that’s the problem with so many algorithms slamming content in your face — consumers don’t have the choice of what they want to engage with,” Fugett said.
Founded in February 2025, ‘the pub’ is published quarterly and features writing from Chicago and Midwest creatives covering news, culture, fiction, comics, reviews, and puzzles. The most recent issue had a print run of 16,000 copies distributed at 150 locations citywide. The staff also hosts events such as collage nights, open mics, film screenings, game nights, letter writing workshops, and reading groups at their new location.
Fugett explained his motivation for starting the paper after creating a zine about staying offline: “It feels like too often the means of delivering the art forms that most of us create are being limited and restricted by the form of the internet or the platform you’re releasing on. I think that’s the appeal of the pub. … There’s just so much more depth to it when you’re able to actually engage with it in person.” Ruby Haack and Vinh Wong joined Fugett as editors after he put out a call for contributors.
Haack said that while they are not against online communities, “we found that the pub also exists as an alternative to finding community online, especially for folks who are really hungry for an arts community. It exists to get people into space together and to start generating political, artistic conversations with people who are maybe outside your orbit.” Wong added that hosting events has encouraged new writers: “We have new people who go up and say, This is my first time ever performing something I’ve ever written or reading something out loud in front of a group.’ Everyone’s cheering for them, and it’s so rewarding for new writers.”
The newspaper remains free but accepts donations and offers mail subscriptions as it seeks financial sustainability this year.
