Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more

Chicago has seen a fresh round of restaurant and retail closures this summer, claiming longtime neighborhood favorites to once-buzzy destinations.

State of play: There's no single reason behind the closures. Some businesses are struggling with rising costs, while others are dealing with health violations or neighborhood disputes, underscoring how difficult it has become to operate restaurants and retail stores.

Here are some notable closings from June and July:

DMK Burger Bar & Fish Bar: Redditors tipped us to the closing of two iconic Lakeview restaurants. The sister restaurants became fixtures of Chicago's late-2000s foodie scene, serving chef-driven burgers and seafood in a casual setting.

Context: The restaurants opened in 2009 and 2011 at Wellington Avenue and Sheffield Avenue. They were the brainchild of Chicago restaurateurs Michael Kornick and David Morton. Kornick left the ownership group in 2021.

• Ownership hasn't responded to several emails about the closures, but both restaurants now sit empty.

Magnolia Bakery: The Block 37 outpost on State Street is temporarily closed after health inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation. Owners say they plan to reopen.

Stella's Diner: The East Lakeview diner is also temporarily closed after health inspectors found a cockroach infestation, among other things. Stella's sister restaurant, "The Bagel," had the same problem last month.

• According to Block Club, the diner has failed several health inspections over the past few years.

Chicago Pizza Fest: The annual pizza festival thrown by former ABC 7 food reporter Steve Dolinsky announced it is postponing this year's event. Organizers cited "economic strains" and said they plan to return next year.

• The festival was scheduled for mid-August and all pre-sold tickets will be refunded.

Reserv: The Printers Row hotspot faces an uncertain future after neighbors complained the restaurant operates more like a nightclub. The business is also facing an eviction notice and a July 23 hearing before the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, which could revoke its business license.

Downtown Naperville: The busy suburb lost two favorites this week when Everdine's Grilled Cheese Co. and the Nike store closed. Everdine's last day is Friday.