Longtime Chicago fine-dining restaurant The Signature Room explained what led to the establishment’s sudden closure in a memo to employees Thursday.
“Dear Signature Room Team,” begins the memo obtained by NBC Chicago. “We are truly saddened by the news that The Signature Room – after 30 years at the helm of Chicago – will be closing effective Thursday, September 28, 2023. We are extremely disappointed that new rental terms could not be successfully negotiated with our landlord. Therefore, we cannot continue our mission in the place we all love. As a result, we are forced to close our doors.”
The memo goes on to call the news “extremely difficult” and “overwhelming.”
The full note can be found below:
Dear Signature Room Team,
We are truly saddened by the news that The Signature Room – after 30 years on Chicago’s rooftop – will be closing effective Thursday, September 28, 2023. We are extremely disappointed that new rental terms could not be successfully negotiated with our landlord and therefore we cannot continue our mission in the place we all love. Therefore we are forced to close our doors.
This is an extremely difficult situation for all of us and we are all shocked by this overwhelming news.
We appreciate your commitment and the service you have provided to The Signature Room over the past 30 years. We simply couldn’t have done it without you.
Sincerely,
human Resource
The memo also noted that information about insurance and personal items left behind would be provided to employees.
Additionally, a sign posted at the restaurant’s location Thursday cited “economic issues” as the reason for the “permanent” closure.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our beloved Signature Room at the 95th, effective Thursday, September 28, 2023,” reads the sign obtained by NBC Chicago. “For over 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from around the world. “Unfortunately, we faced severe economic hardship following the closure of our city and restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges were greater than expected.”
A similar notice was posted on the restaurant’s website and Facebook page.
The news was first reported by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Calls from NBC Chicago to the Signature Room were routed to an automated messaging system. As of Thursday at 12 p.m., online reservations for the Signature Room were no longer possible.
“Reservations are not available,” said a message on The Signature Room’s reservation website. “The Signature Room at the 95th is not currently accepting reservations on Tock. Please check again soon.”
Located on the 95th and 96th floors of 875 N. Michigan Avenue, the Signature Room is known for its fine dining and expansive city views.
The upscale restaurant, where guests had to adhere to a dress code, opened in 1993.
Earlier this year, Crain’s reported that the space that housed the restaurant was for sale.
This is developing news and will be updated as more information becomes available.