The iconic Signature Room, a longtime fine-dining restaurant on the top floor of the former John Hancock Center in Chicago, has closed.
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.
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.”
In a memo obtained by NBC Chicago, Signature Room employees called the closure “an extremely difficult situation.”
The memo also noted that information about insurance and personal items left behind would be provided to employees.
The full memo 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
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.
News of the closure, first reported by Crain’s Chicago Business, shocked even other businesses in the building.
“Like many others, all of us at 360 CHICAGO were shocked and saddened by the sudden closure of the Signature Room. Not only have we shared our own elevators with the Signature Room for 30 years, but they have been wonderful neighbors and partners, and their presence in the building will be missed,” said Nichole Benolken, General Manager of 360 CHICAGO is located just one floor below the restaurant.
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.