Chicago's famed Signature Room restaurant atop its iconic John Hancock tower ... trends now
Chicago's famed Signature Room has abruptly closed, citing 'unexpected challenges' in the Windy City.
A message posted to the restaurant's Facebook and Instagram accounts Thursday announced the closure - which comes as police continue to fight a flagrant crime wave that has persisted since the pandemic, particularly in the city's Downtown.
The iconic fine dining restaurant opened more than 30 years ago, and could be found found on the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock Center.
A place to pop the question, enjoy a scenic dinner, or celebrate a special occasion, today the posh eatery is no more - with a note plastered in the lobby of the 100-floor skyscraper now turning patrons away.
Aside from the disclaimer, a memo was reportedly sent to the staff citing 'safety issues and negative publicity' surrounding the city as reasons - in addition to 'severe economic hardship' after it was forced to close for over a year during the pandemic.
Chicago 's famed Signature Room has abruptly closed, citing 'unexpected challenges' in the Windy City
The iconic fine dining restaurant opened more than 30 years ago, and offered sweeping views
Another reason, aired in a memo obtained by NBC Chicago, said the closing was due to failed talks over the restaurant’s lease, with restaurateurs Richard Roman and Nick Pyknis writing that new lease terms could not be [successfully] renegotiated.'
A statement to patrons on the company's website elaborated on the explanation posted by the owner near the building's elevators - though made no mention of the 'safety issues' cited in the alleged correspondence, first reported by Crain's.
It reads: 'After over three decades of creating cherished memories, it is with profound sadness that we announce the permanent closure of the iconic Signature Room at the 95th, effective Thursday, September 28, 2023.
'For over 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from all over the world. Together, we’ve marked countless life moments – from heartwarming engagements to milestone anniversaries.
'Unfortunately, after the closure of our city and restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been faced with severe economic hardship and the challenges have been greater than we anticipated,' it continues.
'These factors, beyond our control, have left us with no choice but to close our doors.
'Though this chapter ends, our gratitude for your unwavering support remains steadfast.
'Every meal served, every toast raised, and every memory made was possible because of you.'
The emotional message echoed one erected inside the building, renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2018, that also blamed the close on its 14-month COVID closure.
It could be found found on the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock Center, which was renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2018
A place to pop the question, enjoy a scenic dinner, or celebrate a special occasion, today the posh eatery is no more - with a note in the lobby saying the close is effective immediately
Brass reportedly blamed the closure on 'safety issues and negative publicity' surrounding the city since Covid, which saw their eatery close for 14 months, violence and vandalism and arson were rampant in Chicago’s Loop during the pandemic (pictured) and have since persisted - through two mayor and several police superintendents
'From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for the support over the years,' it adds, conceding the announcement comes 'with a heavy heart'.
Roman and Pyknis - who ran the restaurant since its first service in 1993 - further told longtime patrons: 'We are eternally grateful for the trust you placed in us to be part of your special moments.
'We appreciate your patience as we navigate this unexpected challenge. We will do our best to reach out and address all questions.'
Crain’s, which broke the news that the restaurant closed, wrote in its coverage the closure that the restaurateurs sent a memo sent to staff citing 'safety issues and negative publicity' currently plaguing the city of Chicago as reasons for the closure.
The memo reportedly obtained by NBC Chicago, meanwhile, put the blame on unspecified new lease terms, which, the pair reportedly wrote, will 'not [allow] us to continue our mission at the place we all love.
'As a result, we are forced to close our doors,' the memo said.
The restaurant was one of many to close in the then-Lori Lightfoot led city during lockdowns caused by the coronavirus, only opening its doors in May 2021.
'Unfortunately, after the closure of our city and restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been faced with severe economic hardship and the challenges have been greater than we anticipated,' the iconic restaurant's owners wrote Thursday in their unexpected release
In the span since, the metro has been subject to a rampant crime wave that's seen
