Monday, May 9, 2011

"South Loop On the Verge of an Eatery Expansion"

If you've read Sloopin over the past couple of months you will recall that their are a decent amount of new restaurants and bars scheduled to open this year. Today we stumbled across a positive Metromix article in the Red Eye that broadcasted this news:
Census figures show that between 2000 and 2010, the area’s population increased by 74 percent, bringing it to 40,000 residents—who are apparently pretty hungry. With the recent arrival of TLC Cafe, Overflow Coffee Bar and Flavor 180, the South Loop seems to be on the verge of an eatery expansion. “The new residents are mostly upscale and younger—in the age range that will go out to restaurants, bars and clubs,” Thomas said.
Within the article you will find brief updates on some highly anticipated places that are supposed to open this year including:

  • The Scout (1301 S. Wabash) - rumored opening in June

  • Tribute (800 S. Michigan) - rumored opening in June

  • Ryan McCaskey's new restaurant (1639 S. Wabash) - rumored opening in September

  • Trader Joe's (Corner of Wabash and Roosevelt) - rumored opening in Q3 2011

  • Mainstay Hospitality/Kendal Duque restaurant (1416 S. Michigan) - opening TBD

None of these places are a surprise to knowledgeable Sloopers and not a ton of new information in the article. Regardless, it's nice to have a positive article bringing attention to the neighborhoods retail/dinning/night life scene. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, but hopefully this momentum continues and we don't take one step forward and two steps back.


Here are some interesting tidbits in the article that we found interesting:


  • Trader Joe's corporate office said the store is scheduled to open in Q3 of this year

  • No news on the old Grace O'Malley's space...we hope we hear more soon...

  • At McCaskey's restaurant you will be able to watch the chef and sous chef

  • Tribute will have locally made hard liquor (we're hoping they have 18 vodka from South Bend...it's good stuff)

  • The Scout will have 10 patio tables

These are probably the 5 highest profile openings this year in the Sloop, but let's not forget their are some others as well (like the new breakfast/brunch spot at 1400 S. Michigan or Pita Heaven at 1250 S. Michigan). Good news and glad to see some positive attention for the Sloop!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Most excited for the Scout to open this will bring a different nightlife atmosphere to the south loop that will really increase more customers from other neighborhoods to come to the area.

SouthLoopScot said...

Trader Joe's hung a huge banner saying Coming Soon up in the window on the Wabash side. So much for the rumors of its demise...

Scrumpy said...

Love the updates, keep 'em coming!

Anonymous said...

I'm excited for these new establishments and the exposure in the Red Eye today. Hopefully it is the beginning of a trend in the neighborhood.

Anonymous said...

I also noticed some kind of activity at the former Orange space on Harrison, there were workmen in there early this morning when I went for a walk, then there the windows had been papered over when my bus went by later on the way to work. Didn't see a work permit though. Anyone hear anything about this?

Anonymous said...

Trader Joe's can't open soon enough...and the rumored Farmers Market in our end of Grant Park. Yes, please!

Anonymous said...

Groupon has a Cafe Bionda deal today. 1,200 have bought already!

Anonymous said...

my wife and i had mary lee's smokehouse bbq today on cermak and state. the bbq chicken was the best i have had in a long time. u should add them to your eatery expansion list and i recommend others to check it out.

Anonymous said...

I also had Mary Lee's Smokehouse and their chicken wings are phenomenal. The place (and corner for that matter) is a little rough around the edges, but the food is delicious so I highly recommend it.

SMR said...

Just walked by and work has started on Ryan McCaskey's 1639 S. Wabash restaurant (no name yet). Once the new Park opens next to it, it will be great new addition/connector for the SL.