The iconic Signature Room, a longtime, fine dining restaurant near 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 a reason for the "permanent" closing.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closing of our beloved Signature Room at the 95th effective Thursday, September 28, 2023," the sign, obtained by NBC Chicago, read. "For over 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from all over the world. Unfortunately, after the closure of our city and restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been faced with severe economic hardship and the challenges have been greater than anticipated."
A similar note was posted to the restaurant's website and Facebook page.
Calls to the Signature Room by NBC Chicago were directed to an automated messaging system. As of 12 p.m. Thursday, online reservations on the Signature Room were unavailable.
"Reservations are unavailable," a message posted to The Signature Room's reservation website read." The Signature Room at the 95th is not currently accepting reservations on Tock. Please check again soon."
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In a memo obtained by NBC Chicago, Signature Room's human resources department called the closing "an extremely difficult situation."
The memo also indicated that information would be provided to employees regarding insurance, and personal items left behind.
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The full memo can be found below:
Dear Signature Room Team,
We are truly saddened of the news that -- after 30 years on top of Chicago -- The Signature Room is closing effective Thursday, September 28, 2023. We are extremely disappointed that new lease terms could not be successful renegotiated with our landlord and, thus, not allowing us to continue our mission at the place we all love. As a result, we are forced to close our doors.
This an extremely difficult situation for us all, and we all share in the shock of this overwhelming news.
We appreciated your dedication and the service that you have provided to The Signature Room over the past 30 years. We simply couldn't have done it without you.
Sincerely,
Human Resources
The Signature Room, on the 95th and 96th floors of 875 N. Michigan Avenue, is known for offering upscale dining and vast views of the city.
The high-end restaurant, which required guests to follow a dress code, opened in 1993.
News of the closure, which was first reported by Crain's Chicago Business, shocked even other businesses in the building.
“Like many, all of us at 360 CHICAGO were shocked and saddened by the sudden closure of the Signature Room. For 30 years we’ve not only shared our own dedicated elevators with the Signature Room, but they’ve been wonderful neighbors and partners, and their presence in the building will be missed,” said Nichole Benolken, managing director for 360 CHICAGO, which sits just one floor below the restaurant.
Earlier this year, Crain's reported that the the space housing the restaurant was up for sale.
This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
