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

The summer wave of closures include iconic restaurants and recent pop-ups.

Business

Chicago has seen a fresh round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant and retail closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/jims-original-rivers-ann-sather-meli-chicago-businesses-closing-2026" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/11/jims-original-rivers-ann-sather-meli-chicago-businesses-closing-2026" target="_self">restaurant and retail closures</a> this summer, claiming longtime neighborhood favorites to once-buzzy destinations.State of play: There&#x27;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 &amp; Fish Bar: Redditors tipped us to the closing of two iconic Lakeview restaurants. The sister restaurants became fixtures of Chicago&#x27;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.<ul><li>Ownership hasn&#x27;t responded to several emails about the closures, but both restaurants now sit empty.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A hazy classroom or cafe with round wooden tables and dark metal-legged chairs. A brick wall with string lights on the right; a wooden bench on the left with a blue banner, and crumpled papers on a foreground table." height="4284" id="13756b52-6752-47d1-b832-4f872df7eabf" src="https://images.axios.com/mlufGxQhtM7UzYRNvXtleFQHLfs=/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/fsLjEfX9vdeY3FlKMcDGd-mPLi4=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/RMMeOsvfU_Zek0Q_MDRfYS28JHo=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/k1oNg_aGh8DswCKrILpkT3DlSiU=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/5f8JfMSyQe7bNRbr55jT8kE4TOA=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/a4lrVvsgWSzyM-j32iCIDJhu1TA=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/RorUoQplATOC53LnonHBMCEX1CE=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/TYMr-B9RweidLXnaMTMQhKupnCQ=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2026/07/15/1784143071877.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Inside DMK Burger Bar. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios</figcaption></figure>Magnolia Bakery: The Block 37 outpost on State Street is temporarily closed after health inspectors discovered a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cockroach infestation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/magnolia-bakery-chicago-block-37-shut-down-cockroaches/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/magnolia-bakery-chicago-block-37-shut-down-cockroaches/" target="_blank">cockroach infestation</a>. Owners say they plan to reopen.Stella&#x27;s Diner: The East Lakeview diner is also temporarily closed after health inspectors found a cockroach infestation, among other things. Stella&#x27;s sister restaurant, &quot;The Bagel,&quot; had the same problem last month. <ul><li>According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Block Club" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/13/stellas-diner-closed-by-city-due-to-roach-infestation/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/13/stellas-diner-closed-by-city-due-to-roach-infestation/" target="_blank">Block Club</a>, the diner has failed several health inspections over the past few years.</li></ul>Chicago Pizza Fest: The annual pizza festival thrown by former ABC 7 food reporter Steve Dolinsky announced it is postponing this year&#x27;s event. Organizers cited &quot;economic strains&quot; and said they plan to return next year.<ul><li>The festival was scheduled for mid-August and all pre-sold tickets will be refunded. </li></ul>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&#x27;s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, which could revoke its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business license" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/15/printers-row-sports-bar-faces-eviction-amid-noise-complaints-wage-theft-allegations/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/15/printers-row-sports-bar-faces-eviction-amid-noise-complaints-wage-theft-allegations/" target="_blank">business license</a>. Downtown Naperville: The busy suburb lost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two favorites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/15/nike-everdines-cheese-closing-naperville/" data-vars-content-id="85fdef6f-93d2-4dc6-b667-8adf5d510c3f" data-vars-headline="Chicago restaurant closures: DMK Burger Bar, Magnolia Bakery and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/15/nike-everdines-cheese-closing-naperville/" target="_blank">two favorites</a> this week when Everdine&#x27;s Grilled Cheese Co. and the Nike store closed. Everdine&#x27;s last day is Friday.

Chicago wildfire smoke: Will "smoke season" become the new normal?

The wildfire smoke wreaked havoc on Chicago this week. Should we be planning for the next time?

News

Two days of hazardous air may force Chicago to face a new reality: We may need to start planning for a yearly &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smoke season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/summer-smoke-season-wildfires" data-vars-content-id="21ffdc02-4314-43c1-aadf-b8c0aa8e5a76" data-vars-headline="Chicago wildfire smoke: Will &quot;smoke season&quot; become the new normal?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/summer-smoke-season-wildfires" target="_self">smoke season</a>.&quot;Why it matters: Chicago has always planned around winter storms and summer heat. Wildfire smoke may become another seasonal disruption for residents, businesses and public agencies.

Best Day Ever: Chicago author Rowan Beaird's perfect day

Ahead of her new novel, "Tenderness," Beaird shares the coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants she loves.

Things to Do

Chicago writer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rowan Beaird&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rowanbeaird.com/" data-vars-content-id="6a415def-e986-44f1-a588-f9b7edbbf0a6" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever: Chicago author Rowan Beaird&#x27;s perfect day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rowanbeaird.com/" target="_blank">Rowan Beaird&#x27;s</a> new novel, &quot;Tenderness,&quot; was inspired by a thought she kept coming back to as a wedding guest — &quot;How could this really go sideways?&quot;<ul><li>From there, Beaird wrote the story of a 1976 wedding weekend where the bride&#x27;s past in a sinister cult won&#x27;t stay in the past.</li><li>The writer&#x27;s first book, &quot;The Divorcees,&quot; was published in 2024.</li></ul>

How to make a "clean room" during wildfire season

Choose a room with an air filter and adjacent bathroom but no cooking.

Climate

In this<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" second consecutive summer of dangerous wildfire smoke, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/06/chicago-air-quality-canadian-wildfire-smoke-explained" data-vars-content-id="70c9fba9-69e5-4322-8942-8c69d8729a60" data-vars-headline="How to make a &quot;clean room&quot; during wildfire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/08/06/chicago-air-quality-canadian-wildfire-smoke-explained" target="_self"> second consecutive summer of dangerous wildfire smoke, </a>you may already know to wear a mask, reduce outdoor exposure and check <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AQI levels," data-vars-click-url="https://www.iqair.com/air-quality-map/usa/illinois/chicago" data-vars-content-id="70c9fba9-69e5-4322-8942-8c69d8729a60" data-vars-headline="How to make a &quot;clean room&quot; during wildfire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iqair.com/air-quality-map/usa/illinois/chicago" target="_blank">AQI levels,</a> but do you know how to create a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;clean room&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire#what" data-vars-content-id="70c9fba9-69e5-4322-8942-8c69d8729a60" data-vars-headline="How to make a &quot;clean room&quot; during wildfire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire#what" target="_blank">&quot;clean room&quot;</a> in your house?Why it matters: Even fairly well-sealed homes can end up with dirty air during these times of &quot;unhealthy&quot; to &quot;very unhealthy&quot; air quality levels, which may dissipate this weekend but are expected to spike again next week.<ul><li>Clean rooms can create a haven in your home with better air for all during periods of heightened risk. </li></ul>

Competing renters' plans work through City Hall

The alders' plan would eliminate just cause and relocation payments when a landlord ends tenancy.

Politics

Competing renters&#x27; rights proposals — one by Mayor Brandon Johnson and one from a group of alders — have become a proxy fight for renters vs. landlords.Why it matters: Alders who oppose Johnson&#x27;s Protecting Renters Ordinance (PRO) argue it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could raise rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" data-vars-content-id="88854944-c8a9-4fae-a75d-5e28a53e0bf0" data-vars-headline="Competing renters&#x27; plans work through City Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/16/chicago-rent-growth-big-cities-apartment-list-harvard-renters-cost-burdened" target="_self">could raise rents</a>, while housing advocates say the alders&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental " data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/gilbert36ward/status/2077508221666009378" data-vars-content-id="88854944-c8a9-4fae-a75d-5e28a53e0bf0" data-vars-headline="Competing renters&#x27; plans work through City Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/gilbert36ward/status/2077508221666009378" target="_blank">Fair and Accountable Illinois Rental </a>(FAIR) Ordinance could increase evictions.

CPD faces ICE monitoring questions

Six months after a mayoral executive order, advocates say policy changes are unclear.

Immigration

As ICE apprehensions ramp up in Chicago, police officials will face tough questions Friday about compliance with mayoral directives to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="address potential crimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="4d519e3f-399e-4f9c-bf19-6d6bf7445ad7" data-vars-headline="CPD faces ICE monitoring questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">address potential crimes</a> by immigration agents.Why it matters: Six months after Mayor Brandon Johnson issued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE on Notice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/january/ice-on-notice.html" data-vars-content-id="4d519e3f-399e-4f9c-bf19-6d6bf7445ad7" data-vars-headline="CPD faces ICE monitoring questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2026/january/ice-on-notice.html" target="_blank">ICE on Notice</a>, an order directing police to monitor and even seek charges against federal agents, advocates say it&#x27;s unclear what results, if any, have emerged.

Giannoulias TV ads fuel speculation about Chicago mayoral run

The secretary of state's new ads could be used for both his reelection campaign and a rumored run for Chicago mayor.

Two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new campaign ads" data-vars-click-url="https://capitolfax.com/2026/07/13/rate-giannoulias%E2%80%99-new-campaign-tv-ads/" data-vars-content-id="8a88d312-687d-4718-b3a3-78b9f8a77cfe" data-vars-headline="Giannoulias TV ads fuel speculation about Chicago mayoral run" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capitolfax.com/2026/07/13/rate-giannoulias%E2%80%99-new-campaign-tv-ads/" target="_blank">new campaign ads</a> tout Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias&#x27; accomplishments but never ask Illinoisans to reelect him — fueling speculation about a possible Chicago mayoral run. The big picture: Chicago&#x27;s mayoral race is already taking shape, and Giannoulias has long been viewed as one of the strongest potential challengers to Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Chicago competes to keep James Beards past 2028

Awards officials are fielding proposals from other cities for 2029-33.

Food and Drink

Although Chicago has hosted the prestigious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/15/the-15-best-things-we-ate-during-beard-weekend" data-vars-content-id="f8fcbb0a-c5f8-4204-b9cb-9d5c09e0ce0f" data-vars-headline="Chicago competes to keep James Beards past 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/06/15/the-15-best-things-we-ate-during-beard-weekend" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> since 2015, it will now have to compete with other cities to keep them. Driving the news: The James Beard Foundation launched a process Wednesday to accept bids from cities that would like to host from 2029 to 2033 — and Chicago is one of them.

Darren Bailey's attack on Pritzker's yearbook sparks criticism

The Republican gubernatorial candidate mocked the governor's high school yearbook photos and captions.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is facing criticism after attacking Gov. JB Pritzker over decades-old high school yearbook photos.The latest: Bailey <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted screenshots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BaileyforIllinois/posts/pfbid027SeJgZSUJroM8r42HgVnR4cnYe2tn2yFFjS1hB6De5amUf1bKL4hsoYh6KkQmiUel" data-vars-content-id="4db38961-1d0b-42d6-a066-d1ebd3eb205c" data-vars-headline="Darren Bailey&#x27;s attack on Pritzker&#x27;s yearbook sparks criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BaileyforIllinois/posts/pfbid027SeJgZSUJroM8r42HgVnR4cnYe2tn2yFFjS1hB6De5amUf1bKL4hsoYh6KkQmiUel" target="_blank">posted screenshots</a> of Gov. JB Pritzker&#x27;s high school yearbook photos and captions. <ul><li>The yearbook photo shows Pritzker hanging with a friend, while the caption quotes F. Scott Fitzgerald and a list of what could be best described as &quot;senior quotes,&quot; which is standard in yearbooks. </li></ul>

News deserts cost local governments $1.1B a year

New analysis links disappearing local news to higher borrowing costs and weaker oversight of local government.

A new analysis from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rebuild Local News " data-vars-click-url="https://www.rebuildlocalnews.org/local-news-shortage-leads-to-1-1-billion-in-extra-borrowing-costs-for-local-governments-and-taxpayers/" data-vars-content-id="88e83621-2cee-4823-928f-f11b2738c6be" data-vars-headline="News deserts cost local governments $1.1B a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rebuildlocalnews.org/local-news-shortage-leads-to-1-1-billion-in-extra-borrowing-costs-for-local-governments-and-taxpayers/" target="_blank">Rebuild Local News </a>found that when local news outlets close shop, it leaves a gap in oversight, leading to government mismanagement. Why it matters: The burden ultimately falls on taxpayers with increased taxes and reduced spending on public services.

Illinois assault weapons ban upheld, but Supreme Court could upend it

SCOTUS is expected to hear arguments this fall on Cook County's assault weapons ban.

A federal appeals court ruling keeps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Illinois&#x27; assault weapons ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/11/illinois-assault-weapons-ban" data-vars-content-id="b818db03-f2bd-4047-8630-8d2732f3428b" data-vars-headline="Illinois assault weapons ban upheld, but Supreme Court could upend it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/11/illinois-assault-weapons-ban" target="_self">Illinois&#x27; assault weapons ban</a> in place, but a U.S. Supreme Court case could ultimately determine whether it survives. Why it matters: Nothing changes in Illinois for now, but the Supreme Court&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upcoming review" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/supreme-court-ar-15-semiautomatic-rifle-bans-chicago" data-vars-content-id="b818db03-f2bd-4047-8630-8d2732f3428b" data-vars-headline="Illinois assault weapons ban upheld, but Supreme Court could upend it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/30/supreme-court-ar-15-semiautomatic-rifle-bans-chicago" target="_self">upcoming review</a> of Cook County&#x27;s ban could reshape the state&#x27;s gun laws—and similar bans nationwide.

Illinois Democrats condemn USPS election mail proposal

State leaders are threatening supboenas and lawsuits if the Postal Service moves forward on new voting rules.

Illinois Democrats are warning the Trump administration could sidestep a federal court order blocking parts of President Trump&#x27;s election executive order, raising concerns about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voting by mail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/supreme-court-mail-in-voting-grace-period" data-vars-content-id="ad4551be-91ac-4e43-9e43-93dcf3908c4c" data-vars-headline="Illinois Democrats condemn USPS election mail proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/supreme-court-mail-in-voting-grace-period" target="_self">voting by mail</a> before the 2026 midterms.Why it matters: Illinois officials say the dispute could force changes to election procedures and voter education.

Chicago breaks ground on monument to survivors of torture

After years seeking recognition, survivors say the memorial will preserve their stories for generations.

Survivors and advocates call the future <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Torture Justice Memorial" data-vars-click-url="https://ctjmfoundation.org/" data-vars-content-id="c8697081-1dd5-47e1-951b-580f032abf5f" data-vars-headline="Chicago breaks ground on monument to survivors of torture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ctjmfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Chicago Torture Justice Memorial</a> the final &quot;unfulfilled promise&quot; in their fight for justice.Driving the news: Torture survivors Gregory Banks and Anthony Holmes, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Ald. Jeanette Taylor and advocates broke ground Wednesday in Washington Park on the future memorial dedicated to victims and survivors of police torture.

Suburbs pay less than Chicago for lead line removal

Chicago officials are mum, but experts say permits and "contractor-friendliness" play a role.

Public Safety

Nearby suburbs — including Evanston, Elgin and Riverside — pay less than half of what Chicago does for lead service line removal despite having access to the same local contractors to remove them, an Axios analysis finds.Why it matters: While some federal funding goes to lead line removal, Chicagoans will shoulder much of the estimated $12 billion cost of removing our record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400,000 toxic lines over the next two decades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" data-vars-content-id="5ff5f67e-36a2-41ad-8194-c719777418e1" data-vars-headline="Suburbs pay less than Chicago for lead line removal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/25/chicago-state-federal-lead-deadlines" target="_self">400,000 toxic lines over the next two decades</a>.

Politics 🇺🇸

Competing renters' plans work through City Hall

CPD faces ICE monitoring questions

Giannoulias TV ads fuel speculation about Chicago mayoral run

Chicago competes to keep James Beards past 2028

Darren Bailey's attack on Pritzker's yearbook sparks criticism