Chipotle May Shutter Shophouse, Changes at Emporium’s Surf Bar, More Intel

—We start out your World Series Friday with some not-so-surprising news: Chipotle appears close to pulling the plug on its Asian-inspired spinoff chain, Shophouse. Execs said in its earnings call this week that they’re pursuing "strategic alternatives" for the brand, the Tribune reports, which could include selling it off or shuttering the restaurants all together. Two Shophouse locations exist in the Chicago area—in the Loop and Schaumburg. Founder Steve Ellis said they’re focusing on their other concepts, Eater DC reports, including their burger concept that just debuted in Ohio.

—The Emporium Arcade Bar are changing up their recently-opened Surf Bar in Logan Square. The food concept there is now about creative burritos, named Burrito Lab, which debuted a Chicago-style hot dog burrito just in time for the World Series. Owner Danny Marks says they’ve also implemented some cosmetic changes to the space, including taking out the swinging chairs and adding a new mural, killing table service, and that they’re planning to add games. "In general it feels more like a Surf Bar theme extension of Emporium now than its own thing," he says.

—Another longtime neighborhood bar is sadly going away. Windy City Inn, a fixture in North Center, is closing in a few days, DNAinfo reports, after a developer purchased its building and told ownership to vacate the space at the end of October.

—Downtown Italian favorite Coco Pazzo Cafe is moving down the street and combining with sister restaurant Tre Soldi, Chicago magazine reports. Its longtime current space at 636 N. St. Clair St. will close at the end of November.

—Its unknown at this time if the Cubs will win their first World Series since 1908, but those going to the games this weekend will at least be able to eat like its 1908. Wrigley Field will be serving food specials inspired by that season more than a century ago, including Hot Doug’s Tinkers, Evers, and Chance sausages.

Levy Restaurants

—And finally, on the final day of Sweets Week, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House will be giving away free chocolate cake today beginning at 11 a.m. to everyone in attendance outside the restaurant until they run out. Anyone who’s had the cake there or at sister restaurant Gibson’s next door knows how massive those cake slices usually are. [UPDATE: The event has been cancelled.]