Three Locations Down: Is Boston Blackie's Empire Doomed?

Looks like Chicago's midscale burger chain Boston Blackie's is running into more trouble. Last year, the restaurant group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after Nick and Chris Giannis, the father and son team who ran the business, were charged with defrauding two banks out of nearly $2 million in a fraudulent check writing scheme. Shortly thereafter, Nick Giannis was arrested at the Canadian border trying to flee the country.

Now Boston Blackie's has shuttered its River East and Skokie locations, the Naperville spot has been closed since June and the phones weren't working at other locations in the city and suburbs. Is the former burger empire crumbling? Will there be more hot water for the Giannis family? Last time we walked by the River East location, it was hard enough to stomach the strong smell of deep fried onions as we walked down the street so maybe this isn't a bad thing.

Boston Blackie's Closing Some Locations [Chicago Breaking]

Boston Blackie's [Photo: Chicago Now]