Sept. 24--Whenever we ask chefs building a restaurant when they expect to open, the general rule is to take their answer and add three months. Construction delays aren't just a potential problem in the world of restaurants, they're practically a given.
As it turns out, the most anticipated Chicago restaurants of 2015 were bunched toward opening around fall. (Coincidence, we swear, that they're all in the West Loop.) We talked to these restaurateurs for an update. Looks as if some will make it on time, and others won't see light until next year.
Swift Sons
1000 W. Fulton Market
What is it: Chris Pandel-helmed steakhouse from the Boka restaurant group inside new Google building.
New ETA: Mid-October
Gus's Fried Chicken
847 W. Fulton Market
What is it: Memphis-born fried chicken chain.
New ETA: Early November
From Gus's President Wendy McCrory: "We are close. The equipment's in. We'll start hiring people in a week and a half."
Bang Chop Thai Kitchen
605 W. Lake St.
What is it: Casual Thai sibling to the Vietnamese fine-dining Saigon Sisters.
New ETA: December
Duck Duck Goat
857 W. Fulton Market
What is it: Stephanie Izard's third West Loop restaurant is a Chinese concept.
New ETA: Early 2016
(Unnamed John/Karen Urie Shields restaurant)
177 N. Ada St.
What is it: Two-concepts-in-one-space from the husband (Alinea) and wife (Charlie Trotter's) team: A downstairs lounge restaurant, an upstairs Michelin-striving tasting menu.
New ETA: February/March 2016
Cruz Blanca
900 W. Randolph St.
What is it: Rick Bayless' brewery and restaurant
New ETA: Spring 2016
Bayless said construction and permit problems pushed the scheduled fall opening to early 2016. He said, though, it makes more business sense to open in the spring, so he'd rather take his time.
kpang@tribpub.com
Twitter @pang
