Sept. 16--John Barleycorn's River North location (149 W. Kinzie St.) will close in early October, making way for its parent company's more profitable brand, Old Crow Smokehouse.
The country- and barbecue-themed Smokehouse will open in November; kitchen reconstruction is already underway to accommodate barbecue smokers and other equipment. John Barleycorn will remain open through early October.
When the River North Barleycorn goes away, only the Wrigleyville location (3524 N. Clark St.) will remain.
Old Crow Smokehouse, for those who haven't visited the Wrigleyville original (3506 N. Clark St., steps away from the John Barleycorn location) offers barbecue, a large whiskey and bourbon selection, and country music (live and otherwise). Barnwood siding, vintage signage and a long bar are the principal design elements, as they will be in River North.
Opening a high-visibility, River North location is part of owner SamCo Enterprises' expansion plans, which look to include franchising in the future.
Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic.
pvettel@tribpub.com
Twitter @philvettel
