North Center Restaurant Closes After 20 Years
A Beloved North Center Staple Closes Its Doors
NORTH CENTER — A popular restaurant specializing in northern Thai cuisine will close its longtime North Center home on Sunday, much to the dismay of its many regulars.
Shared Message from the Owners
The owners of Sticky Rice, 4018 N. Western Ave., made the announcement via an Instagram post on Wednesday. "After 20 incredible years of serving our community, Sticky Rice will be closing its doors. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for unwavering support and for allowing us to share our family’s recipes with you," the owners said in the post.
Potential for New Opportunities
The owners did tease that they may reopen in the future, according to the post. "We remain hopeful that opportunities may arise in the future where we can serve you again," the owners wrote.
Challenging Business Environment
Rising expenses in the post-pandemic economy and changing customer behavior have been challenging to navigate for the business, owner Kritsana Moungkeow said in an emailed statement to Block Club. "Unfortunately, it’s apparent that many other businesses have closed down due to similar challenges," Moungkeow said in the statement.
Customer Reaction
Fans of the restaurant bemoaned the news on the owner’s Instagram post about the closure. "Terribly sad to see you go!" one fan wrote. "This restaurant is such a gem!" another wrote. "Their lemongrass chicken is one of my favorite comfort dishes, this is so sad," a person commented on a Reddit post about the closing.
The fate of Sticky Rice’s Menu Items
The owners announced in a Thursday social media post that Sticky Rice menu items would be available at their Logan Square offshoot, Sweet Rice, located at 1904 N. Western Ave.
Conclusion
After 20 years of serving the North Center community, Sticky Rice will be closing its doors. While the news is disappointing for fans of the restaurant, the owners remain hopeful about the possibility of reopening in the future.
FAQs
- When will Sticky Rice close its doors?
Sticky Rice will close its doors on Sunday. - Is there a chance of the restaurant reopening in the future?
Yes, the owners remain hopeful about potential new opportunities. - What happens to Sticky Rice’s menu items?
Sticky Rice’s menu items will be available at Sweet Rice, the restaurant’s Logan Square offshoot.
