After Seven Years and Two Locations, Marigold Shuttering on Sunday

In what Jim Dragatsis calls a bittersweet moment, he and co-owner Sandeep Malhotra have decided to shut down Marigold, the Northside Indian staple, after service on Sunday. Unlike many restaurant closings, this one appears to be devoid of drama and controversy.

Dragatsis and Malhotra have blossoming businesses on their hands: they're working on their seventh location of their booming fast-casual concept Masala by Marigold, in addition to their blossoming line of sauces and spices that's now in national distribution. Neither could spend much time at Marigold anymore and didn't want the restaurant to whither under someone else's watch.

"Add it all up and we found out what's the best decision," Dragatsis says. He announced the decision yesterday to friends and family on his personal Facebook page.

Dragatsis is proud of Marigold, which opened in Uptown in 2006 before relocating to Andersonville last year. "Our goal was to bring Indian (cuisine) to Chicago in a different way," he says.

What's next for the space? Dragatsis says they've "had a bunch of offers" and will make a decision later in the month. "We're going to be careful about what goes in there."

Fans can still taste a version of their food at the various Masala by Marigold locations in Chicago, California, and Detroit. When asked if they would ever open another full-service restaurant, Dragatsis said "you can never say never." Sounds like Sunday is your last chance.
· All Marigold Indian Restaurant Coverage [-ECHI-]
· Marigold Restaurant [Facebook]
· Masala by Marigold [Facebook]