March 18--Local Root, a Streeterville restaurant focused on organic, locally sourced food, has closed after 3 1/2 years in business, citing high rent and two years of construction blocking traffic to the area.
In August, Tribune columnist Ina Pinkney praised the restaurant for its buttery croissants and brioche French toast, its welcoming service and the owners' passion for working with local farmers.
Calls to the restaurant Friday morning were unanswered. We will update this post with any additional details. In the meantime, here is the announcement posted on Local Root's website.
"Thank you for your patronage over the last three and a half years. It has been an extraordinary experience for us as we have worked to provide you great food and drinks while advancing the mission of locally sourced and sustainably produced food.
"Today, TripAdvisor places us in the top 8% as 546th of 7,504 restaurants in Chicago as well as 40th of 290 bars with a four star rating and Certificate of Excellence. 175 of 273 Yelp reviewers have given us a four or five star rating. It's been a great business in a great neighborhood of Chicago with many challenges.
"Nevertheless, we have been faced with two years of construction traffic and street repair as well as the difficulties of remaining profitable in a high-rent district. Therefore, with deep regret, we have decided to close our doors as of Saturday, March 11. We remain totally committed to the importance of changing the food delivery channel and promoting locally sourced and sustainably produced food and we hope you will continue to patronize establishments with these same values.
"Thank you again for three and a half years of appreciating our food, our mission and our talented staff. It has been a pleasure to serve you."
mconrad@tribpub.com
Twitter @marissa_conrad
