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After going through three concepts in three years since opening in 2012 inside the Talbott Hotel, Mercadito Kitchen quietly closed on Sunday. The shutter in the Gold Coast leaves only one Mercadito Hospitality restaurant open in Chicago. Mercadito Kitchen, originally christened as Little Market Brasserie in 2012, switched to Mercadito Fish in 2014 following the exit of chef Ryan Poli. The last switch took place in May 2015.
A hostess at Mercadito confirmed the shutter as Mercadito Hospitality representatives didn't return multiple requests for comment. Management informed Mercadito Kitchen workers of the impending closure on Jan. 11, according to a former staffer.
The space never regained the footing it held after opening chef Poli left Chicago in 2013. It's another closure for Mercadito Hospitality, as Mercadito Counter and Tippling Hall closed last year, leaving the original Mercadito as its only restaurant left in town. It's unclear what will become of the space, as a spokeswoman for the Talbott said they are meeting this week to discuss its future. Check back for any further announcements.
