Introduction to South Loop’s Burger Point Closure
SOUTH LOOP — Another restaurant is departing the South Loop as two others make themselves at home in Printers Row. The Burger Point, 1900 S. State St., will close for good Tuesday. Owner Michael Strotter announced the news on Instagram ahead of what would’ve been the restaurant’s 10-year anniversary in January.
Reasons Behind the Closure
The decision to close came amid declining sales in an increasingly challenging business climate, even as other restaurants have opened in the area, said Strotter, who bought the restaurant from its original owner in 2016. “I treated this business like a ministry, and that wasn’t the best strategy. We didn’t want to raise prices because we didn’t want to share the pain,” Strotter said. “But the increased competition in the area — seven restaurants opened in the time we’ve been here — it was hard. And post-COVID, the area wasn’t as busy as it used to be.”
The Burger Point’s Legacy
Known for specialty burgers like The Capone and the Drunken Granny, The Burger Point attracted attention from food influencers and WGN TV’s “Chicago’s Best.” But weekday business has slumped, Strotter said. “We’re just not doing this well during the weekdays and I attribute that to, we’re not doing the lunch business that we used to do,” he said. “Like Kenny Rogers said, you’ve gotta know when to hold them, know when to fold them.”
Perception of Crime in the Area
Strotter also pointed to customers’ perception of crime in the area. Despite the South Loop’s rising popularity, the stigma of the “dangerous South Side” persists, he said. Still, he’s grateful for the outpouring of love from customers, he said. The retired radiology administrator isn’t saying goodbye to the restaurant business for good; his family owns Ain’t She Sweet Cafe in Bronzeville and Beverly.
Sports Bar Reserv Opens in Printers Row
Reserv, a new sports bar, has taken over the former Roots Pizza space in the South Loop.
Reserv offers casual bar fare like burgers and wings along with cocktails like the Lavender Lemon Drop, and it’s open in the mornings serving coffee and breakfast, according to its Instagram. Reserv replaces Roots Handmade Pizza, which closed in October after five years.
Pressbox to Replace Bar Louie
Also coming to Printers Row is Pressbox, which is taking over the former Bar Louie at 47 W. Polk St., which abruptly closed in March along with two other Bar Louie locations.
There’s little information available about Pressbox, but it promises to be the “go-to bar for vibes, bites and big plays” on its Instagram profile. One of its managing members is former Cook County Circuit Court judicial candidate Erika Orr Menefee, according to a liquor license application filed last week.
Conclusion
The closure of The Burger Point and the opening of new bars in Printers Row signal a shift in the neighborhood’s dining and nightlife landscape. As the area continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these new establishments fare and what other changes are in store for the South Loop.
FAQs
Q: Why is The Burger Point closing?
A: The Burger Point is closing due to declining sales and increased competition in the area.
Q: What is replacing Roots Handmade Pizza in Printers Row?
A: Reserv, a new sports bar, has taken over the former Roots Pizza space.
Q: What is Pressbox, and where is it located?
A: Pressbox is a new bar taking over the former Bar Louie location at 47 W. Polk St. in Printers Row.
