Lao 18 Shutters—Temporarily?

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Less than six months after opening, Tony Hu's first downtown restaurant is closed. A sign on the door says that Lao 18 is "temporarily closed for kitchen remodeling" and will "re-announce opening date." Hu could not be reached for comment at press time and the restaurant's phone line leads to a full mailbox.

In late October, Crain's reported slow business at Lao 18, closing on Sundays, and discontinued Saturday brunch. While Hu's restaurant empire continues to grow, including Lao Sze Chuans opening soon in Evanston and on Michigan Avenue, the fate of his River North jewel is murky at best.
· All Lao 18 Coverage [-ECHI-]
· Has Lao's Tony Hu met his match in downtown? [Crain's]