Chicago business closures are already piling up in 2026
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January tends to bring a wave of business closures in Chicago — and this year is no different.
The big picture: January closures are part seasonal, part survival — but they offer a window into Chicago's changing restaurant and retail landscape.
- From steakhouses to cultural landmarks, 2026 is already following the brutal path of 2025.
Here are some notable closings to start the year:
Steakhouse craze no more: 2025 continued the trend of new steakhouses popping up around town, but the year started by losing one of its mainstays: McCormick & Shmick's.
- The high-priced Wacker Drive chain restaurant was the only outpost in the city limits. However, its parent company, Landry's Restaurant Group, owns several sister restaurants, including Morton's, Mastro's, and The Palm.
It's not just steak: You only have about a month to book a table at one of Wicker Park's biggest restaurants, Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen.
- The vegan spot announced it will close its doors after Valentine's Day. Ownership says it'll transform into a new concept, but Bloom follows an alarming trend of vegetarian and vegan restaurant closings in 2025.
Hip Hop history: The Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum has closed after nearly five years in Bronzeville, but management says it has secured a lead on a new space a few blocks away.
- The shrine to Chicago's rap history was located in a greystone on Indiana Avenue, but the new space would bring much-needed space (5,000 square feet) for the exhibits.
Sports (bars) will never be the same: McGee's Tavern & Grill in Lincoln Park closed up shop right before Christmas. The popular college bar (DePaul) closed just shy of its 40th anniversary.
- It was a huge spot to watch college football games, even though DePaul doesn't have a football team.
Other notable closings: The Burger Point (South Loop), Proxi (West Loop), Sip & Savor (Bronzeville) and Miskatonic Brewing Company (Darien).