The Signature Room, a former fine-dining restaurant in Chicago, described in a memo to employees Thursday what led to the establishment’s sudden closing.
“Dear Signing Room Team,” begins the note obtained by NBC Chicago. “We are truly saddened by the news that after 30 years in Uptown Chicago, The Signature Room will be closing effective Thursday, September 28, 2023. We are extremely disappointed that new lease terms were not successfully renegotiated with our landlord and therefore, “We are not allowed to continue our mission in the place we all love, and as a result, we are forced to close our doors.”
The memo goes on to describe the news as “extremely difficult” and “overwhelming.”
The full memo can be found below:
Dear Signature Room Team,
We are very saddened by the news that after 30 years in Uptown Chicago, The Signature Room will be closing effective Thursday, September 28, 2023. We are extremely disappointed that the new lease terms cannot be successfully renegotiated with the property owner and therefore no Don’t allow us to continue our mission in the place we all love. As a result, we are forced to close our doors.
This is an extremely difficult situation for all of us, and we all share in the shock of this overwhelming news.
sincerely,
HR
The memo also stated that information would be provided to employees regarding insurance and forgotten personal items.
Additionally, a sign posted at the restaurant’s location Thursday cited “financial issues” as the reason for the “permanent” closure.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the permanent closure of our beloved Signature Room on the 95th day effective Thursday, September 28, 2023,” the sign obtained by NBC Chicago read. “For more than 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from around the world. Unfortunately, after our city and our restaurant closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced serious economic hardship, and the challenges were greater than anticipated.
The news was first published by Crane works in Chicago.
Calls to the signing room at NBC Chicago were routed to an automated messaging system. As of 12 noon on Thursday, online reservations for the signing room were not available.
“Reservations are not available,” read a message posted on The Signature Room’s reservations website. “The Signature Room on 95th Street is not currently accepting reservations on Tock. Please check back soon.”
The Signature Room, located on the 95th and 96th floors of 875 N. Michigan Avenue, is known for its upscale dining and expansive city views.
This upscale restaurant, which required guests to follow a dress code, opened in 1993.
Earlier this year, Crain’s reported that the space that houses the restaurant was for sale.
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