Blue 13 to Close its Doors March 31 After Four Years

Well how about this bombshell that just exploded: Blue 13 will have its last night of service on March 31. Yes, you read that right and if you're sad about the news, you're not the only one. The owners, chef Chris Curren, Dan Marunowski and Stu Mitchell, along with manager Paul Martinez, have decided to close the restaurant and move on.

But this isn't the last you'll hear from the team. They're already scouting new locations to open a new concept. It won't be Blue 13, but something fresh and apparently things are already in motion. And Curren recently announced a partnership with the LGN Group to be its culinary director and will design the menu for its new restaurant Stout Barrel House.

The decision to close the restaurant sounds like it came from within, but you have to wonder what external forces were in play here since it was a pretty popular destination that has received a lot of critical praise. But at the end of the day, the decision is final and if you want to hit Blue 13, now is the time. In the meantime, read the team's statement about closing below.

After nearly four years of operation, it is with heavy hearts that we announce Blue 13’s final night of service will be Saturday, March 31, 2012.

Blue 13 has been our passion for the last four years. Being a part of this wonderful dining community has been our reward, and we’d like to think that we were a small part of why Chicago is considered one of the world’s premier dining destinations. We’re honored by the support and accolades we’ve received, including our Michelin Guide recommendation, episode of Check Please!, two summers at Lollapalooza’s Chow Town, two Jean Banchet Award nominations, and countless others.

We are eternally thankful and indebted to our loyal supporters, distinguished press, talented colleagues, friends, and family for their continued commitment to Blue 13. Most importantly, we are sincerely grateful to our dedicated staff, without which none of this would have been possible.

This has truly been a special experience, but we feel it is time to move on. So, for the rest of this month, we would like to invite everyone to join us in celebrating Blue 13 by dining and drinking with us.

Although we're closing the doors at Blue 13, this is not the last you'll hear from us.

We'll see you around.

Last call.

Cheers,

Chris, Dan, Paul and Stu

· Blue 13's Chris Curren to Head Stout Barrel House, Serve as Culinary Director for LGN Group