Monday, October 4, 2010

Retail Rumors in the Sloop

Last week we posted about troubles at the Pita Corner and recently we received some more insight from a reader of the blog:
Long story short, the guy who built the condo tower it is in (along with one down the street - I don't remember the number) was opening the restaurant along with his real estate partner and a chef-partner they brought in just for that location. The chef partner left/got thrown out (not sure which one) and they were looking for a new partner.
We also heard that they are trying to get out of the partnership complete and rent the space out to someone else who would do whatever they want with the space. If you've peaked in you've probably noticed that it looks inside, so maybe something will happen eventually. Unfortunately it looks like nothing in the immediate future is going to happen with this space.

Although this isn't encouraging for the retail scene on Michigan, we were happy to have Donna from Donna's Cafe post a comment on a post last week:
It is Donna's Cafe and I plan to open at 6am and close at 10pm.(I have to sleep some time lol) And there will be wi-fi! Of course it's not a very large space but it will be comfortable. We are now under construction going into week 2. My architect and contractor say 6-8 weeks...sigh.

With the fall weather coming be ready for hot soup and cool jazz!
Hope to see you soon!
Donna

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I also heard rumor that Soggy Paws on S. State is planning to expand to provide more retail space and will be located in the same retail/condo building, but around the corner on Archer Ave.

Anonymous said...

So sad. And typical.

Anonymous said...

Looks like theres been a dead body chilling in the back of a car parked at Sky55 for the past month.

Anonymous said...

Very typical. I recall just last week people were ripping a fellow slooper for pointing out the utter lack of new retail options in this neighborhood, and the fact that closings outweigh openings. Looks like that person is once again validated!

Anonymous said...

I don't think you can claim validation that more places are closing than opening with a post about two places that haven't even opened yet.

Anonymous said...

Not Opened = Closed

MarkChicago said...

It seems like quality places are thriving in the sloop...i.e. Flo & Santos, Fire House, Yolk, Lou Malnati's, Bongo Room, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Subway(s).

What's the problem then attracting new businesses? Rent? Population density? Maybe someone has some expertise/experience to provide insight?

Anonymous said...

You can't close something until you open it, thus not opened does not always equal closed.

Anonymous said...

The rents are way to high for the area. The arrogance of commercial landlord owners to charge a rate that is too expensive is apparent all over. Let's take a look at the prime location where Sam's used to be or the many high rise buildings with vacant space. Why the hell aren't their businesses in there? Flos and Santos proves that if a business is allowed to open and actually afford the rent that businesses can strive. I love this neighborhood but the greed with the commercial rent makes me sick.

windmeup said...

what is with the comment about the dead body at sky55? is that a joke, a reference to lack of new business in the sloop?

Anonymous said...

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/10/body-found-in-van-in-south-loop-parking-garage.html

Anonymous said...

Chain/franchised businesses usually fair better as they can spread out the pain if one store is underperforming.

That said, I have my doubts that Flo & Santos and Bongo Room are really "thriving". F&S hasn't been open very long and Bongo never did get it's liquor license.

Anonymous said...

I saw that in the NYT about the body at Sky55...creepy.

MarkChicago said...

Did he actually live there? Says he is from Morton. Wonder what he was doing in there. Very sketchy.

Anonymous said...

The whole scene around Sky55 is pretty sketchy. Does anyone else notice the throngs of men dressed in all white loitering outside Sky55 on warm summer nights drinking booze out of red plastic cups and harassing passersby?

Anonymous said...

I have worked at Bongo Room since it's opening in 2003 (as Room 12), we are busier than ever on the weekends. And as for the liquor license, owners have never applied. They do almost the same business with out it as they do i wicker park.

Anonymous said...

It's always entertaining to read the random things these anons come up with. I'll have to look more closely for those white-clad (sailors?) red cup drinkers the next time I make a run to Sky Grocer.

Anonymous said...

So Anonymous on 10/4 said so sad and typical when the comment was made that Soggy Paws is expanding. Why would that be sad when an expanding business is good?

Anonymous said...

Soggy Paws is the best pet shop. Katie, the manager of the South Loop store, goes out of her way to help you find the right food for your pet. I'm glad they're doing well enough to expand.

Anonymous said...

a pet quick-care facility is opening on the SE corner of State and 16th (across from Columbia media center). It is called Clark and Oak? I guess they have a few other locations in the city. This has been empty for a long time, so nice to see some of these spaces filling up!

Anonymous said...

Another pet store! Are u kidding me! That is so disappointing.

Anonymous said...

pets rule the sloop :) I don't understand do people who don't like dogs not take a walk around before moving here.....

Anonymous said...

Yeah, all you have to do is check out all the sh!t-stained lawns and p!ss-stained sidewalks to realize that this hood has gone to the dogs.