From Edzo's to Fiesta Mexicana: Chicago's latest closures

Some major establishments have closed shop recently, including a surprise announcement from a beloved Evanston burger spot.

The big picture: Local businesses are being affected by economic forces like inflation, rising rents and labor issues.

• Edzo's Burger Shop joins a growing list of businesses closing in Chicago this year, including Avondale hotspot Parachute and antique shop Architectural Artifacts.

The intrigue: Edzo's was a hot spot for burger aficionados for the past 15 years. Owner Eddie Lakin announced the closure yesterday, ending a tremendous run as one of the go-to spots for the best smash burgers in the area.

• Lakin says he hopes to reopen in a new location.

More closings announced in November and December:

Old Town Pour House: The upscale bar and restaurant was a mainstay on Wells Street for the past 13 years. They'll keep the suburban outposts in Naperville and Oak Brook open, but the Old Town spot will close on Jan. 5, 2025.

McNally's: The Morgan Park bar and grill served the Southwest Side community for over 35 years. It was a popular destination for revelers at the South Side Irish Parade and known for its colorful rotation of phrases and messages that graced the front marquee.

Fiesta Mexicana: The Uptown restaurant famous for its late-night food and mariachi bands closes Friday after 45 years. The popular spot shared a building with the Green Mill and served late-night patrons from the nearby historic Uptown Theatre before it closed in 1981.

Mack's Golden Pheasant: The Elmhurst restaurant was the oldest in DuPage County, opening in 1948. It closed Sunday. The restaurant lot will reportedly be taken over by the neighboring gas station.

Gather: The Lincoln Square restaurant opened in 2012 but served its last table earlier this month. The popular spot was a mainstay in the burgeoning North Side neighborhood's dining scene.

Quimby's: Chicago's adored independent alternative bookstore isn't closing, but it is being sold. The owner wants to pass the torch to a new owner to keep the iconic Wicker Park store open.

GT Prime: After eight years, GT Prime announced it would close its doors on New Year's Eve. The River North Steakhouse, helmed by chef Giuseppe Tentori, was the sister restaurant to GT Fish, which closed in 2023. Tentori will split from Boka Restaurant Group.

Roister: The Fulton Market restaurant owned by Alinea Group has changed its name. Roister is out, Fire is in.

Other closings include: Bar Cargo (River North), Bernice's Tavern (Bridgeport), Chaturanga Holistic Fitness (Hyde Park), Click Shoes (Southport), Gus's Fried Chicken (Fulton Market) and the Container Store (South Loop).