Going out of Business – Southport Corridor News and Events

M2 Boutique closing end of October

In a Instagram post, M2 says its farewell, says a “retail tobacco shop” is coming to their space.

Wrigleyville’s Blarney Stone closing after more than 50 years

Chicago’s Blarney Stone, A Wrigleyville Fixture, To Close After More Than 50 Years

The beloved dive bar will close on Oct. 2 after more than 50 years in Wrigleyville.

“The bar at 3424 N. Sheffield Ave. announced on Facebook it will close when the Cubs’ season ends. Its last day will be Oct. 2.

Wrigley BBQ is now closed

Smoked meat spot Wrigley BBQ closed permanently this month at 3555 N. Broadway, owner and pitmaster Mitch Liebovich announced on the restaurant’s website.

Founded in 2017, it featured brisket, ribs, wings, pulled pork, and smoked chicken. Liebovich writes online that he plans to move the entire operation to Palm Springs, Florida.

When will M2 Boutique be leaving Southport? And more national retailers coming

New national retailers are coming to the former DavidsTEA, Gearhead spaces as well

M2 has lost their lease, and will vacate their current space “30 days after “new” tenant signs.”

And even more national retailers are coming to Southport including the former DavidsTEA location and Uncle Dan’s/Gearhead space – with “large, complicated build-outs.”

See the listing for M2 here from Loopnet.

The history, and now dismantling of Southport Lanes

Southport Lanes was built by the Schlitz brewery in 1922 as one of the hundreds of “tied houses” in the Midwest

Southport Lanes is officially closed, and the auction of items has ended. Signs have begun to be taken down and for the first time in decades, you are able to see the old facade.

Leo’s Southport Lanes in the 1960’s and 1970’s

Excerpts from the Chicago Bar project from several years ago:

Southport Lanes was built by the Schlitz brewery in 1922 as one of the hundreds of “tied houses” in the Midwest (only Schlitz beer could be served). Once Schlitz sold the bar, the menu offered fornication to help fund the transitional purchase to its new owners in addition to its nobler alcohol distribution efforts. Because prostitution was, and still is, illegal in Chicago, the owner had to subtly advertise the delights to be found upstairs. He did this by having M.K. Siegner paint murals on the walls depicting nymphs frolicking in negligees.

Because prostitution was, and still is, illegal in Chicago, the owner had to subtly advertise the delights to be found upstairs. He did this by having M.K. Siegner paint murals on the walls depicting nymphs frolicking in negligees. These murals can still be seen today, both in the front room and above the bowling pins. Additional murals of these nymphs, sans clothing, could be found along the staircase and in the second floor bedrooms but those have since been painted over.

In 1991, the bar was purchased and renovated by the same owners that later brought us the Daily Bar & Grill, and such now-defunct dillies as Corner Pocket (now Victory Liquors), Hudson Club, and Lucky Strike (now Seven Ten, which also offers bowling and billiards).

Ownership of Southport Lanes has since transitioned to the Spare Time empire, who also owns Seven Ten, Firehouse, Riverview Tavern, Robey Pizza Company, and Popkin Tavern (Richmond, Virginia). Fortunately, the new owners did not mess with the formula that made the original, “Leo’s Southport Lanes,” an excellent tavern. Leo’s was run by Leo and Ella Beitz dating back to 1960, who took over from Leo’s parents who ran it since 1946.

Schoolyard Tavern Gutted on the inside

The interior of Schoolyard Tavern is completely gutted, and it looks like it’s suffering the same fate as Southport Lanes

Currently, the interior of Schoolyard Tavern is completely gutted and a dismantle of some-sort is underway. The bar and backroom are both completely ripped out, along with all tables/chairs and other items that were once installed. We’ve reached out to Schoolyard Tavern after their final closing last October on what the current status is with the business, but have yet to hear back. No more website, however Facebook and Twitter are still up.

Schoolyard Tavern closing October 4

“We love you all, and we cannot THANK YOU enough for all of your love and support over the years. Take care of yourselves and each other”

Devastating news from Schoolyard Tavern as Covid has turned the service industry upside down. We will miss this Southport staple 😓 Continue reading “Schoolyard Tavern closing October 4”

A list of growing Southport Corridor businesses that have closed permanently due to the Covid-19 Pandemic

It has been a very difficult time for all of us during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for our local business community. Here is a growing list of businesses that have permanently closed during the pandemic.

DavidsTea on May 27, 2020
Fahlstroms Fresh Market on June 3, 2020
Frio Gelato on June 5, 2020
Mercury Theater on June 16, 2020
Cosmos Cleaners – July 2020
Guthries Tavern – July 24, 2020
Lou & Grey – July 23, 2020
Southport Blooms – August, 2020 (Now online only)
Hair Cuttery – Closed most Chicago locations during Covid due to a buy-out as of August, 2020
Hanna Andersson – August, 2020
Redmond’s Ale House – September 13, 2020
Southport Lanes – September 27, 2020
Schoolyard Tavern – October 4, 2020

We will keep the list updated as the year continues, and please remember to support our local businesses, services and restaurants. You can email us at southportcorridor@yahoo.com with information on closings, and we’ll continually add to our list.

$Fall 2014 on Chicago\'s Southport Corridor$

DAVIDsTEA

Continue reading “A list of growing Southport Corridor businesses that have closed permanently due to the Covid-19 Pandemic”

The Red Balloon Company is closing on Southport

The Red Balloon Children’s boutique, located at 3651 N. Southport Avenue came out swinging in 2014, vowing to fight the national retail chains on the Southport Corridor.

“Someone’s gotta do their part to fight the national big box encroachment,” the owner said to then DNA Chicago.

Unfortunately, The Red Balloon announced their closure on January 1 and will now remain at their Bucktown location. Did you shop at The Red Balloon? What can save small independent shops on Southport?

Grassroots Eatery is now closed

New Year’s Eve 2019 was Grassroots Grill’s last night at 3747 N. Southport Avenue. The restaurant’s management sent out an email on Sunday stating that New Year’s Eve’s will be the spot’s last service. Grassroots opened with a farm-to-table focus in 2015. The restaurant has been for sale since the summer.

Diag Bar & Grill and 404 Wine Bar Closing August 4, 2019

Sad news for Diag & 404 Wine Bar lovers. Both establishments will be closing their doors on August 4, 2019 according to their Facebook post. We wish all the staff and owners the best of luck, and will miss these Southport staples.