Big Star West Town Closing Later This Month
Big Star is calling it quits in West Town. The restaurant at 551 N. Ogden Ave. announced the news Tuesday in an Instagram post. West Town customers have until Oct. 24 to get their fill of bourbon, margaritas and tacos on housemade tortillas.
Reason for Closure
The reason for the closure has not been explicitly stated, but the Instagram post mentions that the crew is being placed in other opportunities across One Off Hospitality restaurants. “We are currently working to get our amazing West Town crew placed in other opportunities across our family of One Off Hospitality restaurants, and we’re excited to turn our focus toward new projects on the horizon. More news coming soon,” the post read.
Impact on Big Star Locations
The impending closure leaves two Big Star locations — the original at 1531 N. Damen Ave. in Wicker Park, and a Wrigleyville outpost at 3640 N. Clark St. Big Star opened its West Town location in 2022 with a seafood-centric menu and an enviable though smaller patio than the original, which celebrated its 15th anniversary last year.
One Off Hospitality Portfolio
One Off Hospitality’s portfolio of popular Chicago restaurants, bars and bakeries also includes Avec, The Publican, Publican Quality Bread and Dove’s Luncheonette, among others. In June, One Off closed The Violet Hour, its pioneering cocktail bar located across the street from the Big Star flagship in Wicker Park.
Reaction from One Off Partner
One Off partner Terry Alexander didn’t immediately return a call for comment Tuesday. The closure of Big Star West Town has left customers with limited time to visit the restaurant before it closes its doors for good.
Conclusion
The closure of Big Star West Town is a significant loss for the West Town community, but the remaining Big Star locations will continue to serve their signature dishes. One Off Hospitality is working to place the West Town crew in other opportunities, and new projects are on the horizon.
FAQs
Q: When is Big Star West Town closing?
A: Big Star West Town is closing on Oct. 24.
Q: What will happen to the West Town crew?
A: The West Town crew is being placed in other opportunities across One Off Hospitality restaurants.
Q: How many Big Star locations will remain after the closure?
A: Two Big Star locations will remain after the closure: the original in Wicker Park and the Wrigleyville outpost.
Q: What is One Off Hospitality’s portfolio of restaurants?
A: One Off Hospitality’s portfolio includes Avec, The Publican, Publican Quality Bread, Dove’s Luncheonette, and others.
Q: What happened to The Violet Hour?
A: The Violet Hour, a pioneering cocktail bar, was closed by One Off in June.
Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:
