Chicago summer 2026 closures: Hackney's, Wishbone, Zeitlin's and more
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Zeitlin's Delicatessen on Clybourn Street in Lincoln Park. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
In less than a month, several well-known Chicago-area restaurants and retailers announced plans to close.
State of play: The reasons vary — from rising costs and changing consumer habits to health violations and lease disputes — but the announcements mark the end of some neighborhood institutions.
Here are some notable closures announced in July and August:
Hackney's (Lake Street): The famous north suburban restaurant known for its "Hackneyburger" will close its Lake Street location in Glenview in September after 71 years.
- "A 700-seat restaurant made sense in the 1960s — it doesn’t in 2026," the owners wrote on social media.
Flashback: Hackney's once had a local empire, with locations in Glenview, Wheeling, Lake Zurich, Palos Park and Chicago's Printer's Row.
- That will leave only the original Harms Road location in Glenview, which opened in 1939.
Zeitlin's Delicatessen: The popular bagel pop-up drew excitement when it opened a brick-and-mortar location on Clybourn Avenue last year. But owner Sam Zeitlin announced this week that the restaurant had closed.
- "I will miss the cherished moments of baking, growing the business, and serving. Right now, I am taking the time to be with close ones and hope you all take care," Zeitlin said on social media.
Wishbone: The Southern-inspired restaurant, a longtime Chicago brunch staple, will close its last remaining location on Jefferson Street at the end of August after more than 35 years.
- Over the years, Wishbone operated restaurants in West Town, Lakeview and the West Loop.
Stella's Diner: We told you last month that the Lakeview diner had closed because of health code violations. Now, instead of reopening, the restaurant's building has been sold.
- The intrigue: Ann Sather owner Tom Tunney quickly scooped up the property and plans to open a new location there.
- The move comes after Ann Sather left its longtime Belmont Avenue location for Wicker Park.
Guitar Works: After 47 years of serving Evanston musicians, Guitar Works plans to close Sept. 1.
- In an email to customers, owner Terry Straker blamed "consumer habits changing, rising property taxes and import tariffs on guitars."
The 50 Yard Line: The place to go for Chicago steppers sets has been forced to close after city inspectors found dangerous building and health code violations at the 75th Street location in Greater Grand Crossing.
Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records: The popular record store will close its Avondale storefront after 11 years in the neighborhood.
- The owners plan to close the shop when its lease expires in November but hope to relocate the business.
Dante's Pizza (Logan Square): The pizza place specializing in NY slices has temporarily shut down its Logan Square location. It is directing customers to its West Town location on Chicago Avenue.
Green Machine Cycles: The custom bike repair shop is closing after 13 years in Ravenswood.
- The owners said on social media that they lost their lease because a neighboring business wanted to expand. The neighboring business disputes that account.