The bustling restaurant scene in Chicago is facing a challenging summer, marked by rising costs, labor shortages, and real estate issues leading to the closure of various beloved establishments.
In a recent roundup, several closures have been reported, including notable restaurants that have supported the community for years as well as newcomers that never quite found their footing.
On July 30, heart-wrenching news emerged from Lincoln Square as Atelier, the Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its exquisite culinary offerings, closed its original location at 4835 N. Western Avenue.
The last service took place on July 19, followed by a garage sale where kitchenware was sold to patrons.
However, the restaurant is not gone for good; it will be relocating to a larger space just a couple of blocks away at 4544 N. Western Avenue, although an official opening date for the new venue has not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, in Portage Park, Smarty Cup Cafe, a coffee shop that had gratefully served the community for less than a year and a half, has announced its closure through an Instagram post.
Despite the temporary setback, the cafe’s owners are optimistic, stating they will reopen at a new location in the future.
In River North, the tragic closure of Artis Restaurant and Lounge has left a deeper impact on the community.
Following a mass shooting outside the venue on July 2 that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, the owners released a poignant statement showing their commitment to love and acceptance, stating, “We will continue to grow through the pain and find ways to heal, together.”
The queer- and Black-owned restaurant opened just a few months prior in April but had quickly become a beloved space.
Over in the South Loop, local pizza chain Paisans has also announced its exit from the neighborhood.
The chain, which is known for its thin-crust and deep-dish pies as well as an extensive selection including wings, burgers, pastas, and salads, affixed a notice of closure on the door of its 700 S. Clark Street location.
Despite the closure, Paisans remains operational at its other Chicago locations in West Lawn and Belmont Cragin, along with some outposts in the suburbs.
Further out in Rosemont, another beloved establishment has met the same fate.
Murray Bros. Caddyshack, the restaurant themed after the iconic ’80s sports comedy film, has officially closed its doors.
Opened in 2018 by Chicago-area native and actor Bill Murray, the restaurant was a notable attraction near O’Hare International Airport, enjoying a warm fellowship with its patrons and community.
In a message on its website, the establishment expressed gratitude to customers for their unwavering support over the past seven years.
As the original location in Augustine, Florida remains the only open Murray Bros. Caddyshack, a planned restaurant in Wilmette announced in 2022 never came to fruition.
The recent spate of closures underscores the ongoing struggles faced by the restaurant industry in Chicago, prompting a sense of loss in the community as these cherished spaces bid farewell.
image source from：chicago
