Hooters, Southport Grocery and Flo among Chicago-area fall closures
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Fall has been particularly unkind to some of Chicago's most celebrated shops, restaurants and retail spaces.
Why it matters: These aren't just empty storefronts. Some closures mark the end of decades-long neighborhood institutions, while others leave prominent retail and entertainment spaces seeking new life.
Here are some notable closures from late summer and fall:
Hooters: The longtime River North sports bar is closing after 35 years at 660 N. Wells St. The chain cited neighborhood development and changes as reasons for the closure. Other Chicago-area locations will remain open.
Southport Grocery: The Lakeview grocery and cafe near Southport and Addison will close at year's end. Known for its comfort food, the neighborhood staple opened in the former Cooney Funeral Home in 2003. Dollop plans to take over the space with a new diner concept.
Flo: The West Town brunch spot, once featured on "Check, Please!," will close in December after its Chicago Avenue building was sold. The neighborhood favorite has served brunch for more than two decades.
True Food Kitchen: The health-focused restaurant chain closed its River North location in October amid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. Oprah Winfrey was an early investor in the chain.
Sugar Factory: The Kardashian-endorsed restaurant and candy shop in River North permanently closed in September after about a decade. Known for its over-the-top milkshakes, giant desserts and colorful cocktails, the 9,300-square-foot space on Grand Avenue was a popular destination for celebrations.
Durty Nellie's: The popular Palatine bar and music venue closed earlier this month after 54 years. Once a premier suburban destination for live rock music, the space will make way for Big Grove Brewery, which isn't planning to continue the venue's live music tradition.
Tory Burch: Oak Street lost a high-profile tenant last month when the luxury fashion retailer closed its only Chicago location. The brand continues to operate in the suburbs.
Dao Thai: The Streeterville Thai restaurant closed its doors in late August, ending a run as a neighborhood dining staple.
Royal Home Entertainment: The longtime Lakeview electronics retailer closed its Broadway storefront in October after 55 years in business.
Habibti: The West Loop restaurant and nightclub faced neighbor complaints before a fire devastated the space. Authorities have investigated the possibility of arson. The owners say they won't rebuild or reopen at that location.
Other closings include: Poke Okie in Logan Square, Itzchel by Peke's in Pilsen, Original Maxwell Street on the West Side and WNDR Museum in the West Loop.
Of note: Beatrix Market closed this summer, but Lettuce Entertain You didn't waste time finding a replacement for its Fulton Market space.
- Starting Thursday, Pizzeria Gabbo will be slinging pies by the slice, plus other menu items.