The owners of Wishbone, the West Loop restaurant that earlier this year announced it was moving after 26 years, has found a new space. Co-owner Julie Nickson said they’re targeting an early fall move to the former Bin 36 space at 161 N. Jefferson Street. Nickson and her husband, chef Joel Nickson, had been pondering a move for years as rising West Loop rents were making it difficult to stay at their current location at 1001 W. Washington Boulevard. The new location is about a half a mile east.
The Nicksons find themselves lucky to have found a space in the same neighborhood. Julie Nickson said they’re not facing any pressure by their landlord to leave, so they haven’t decided on a closing date: “As far as we know, there isn’t anything happening in the space in the immediate future,” she said.
Nickson said they’ll take their time moving into the new restaurant, wanting to ensure staff is familiar with the space. The move may force the restaurant to modernize a bit, which Nickson said is a good thing. Their first priority will be to remodel the bar/lounge area inside the former Bin 36 wine bar. She also wants to take advantage of the patio, but most of the outdoor changes will have to wait until 2019. They’re thinking about adding an outdoor bar and enclosing the space.
When Wishbone began serving southern specialties like blackened catfish, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits back in 1992 in the West Loop, the neighborhood wasn’t as developed. The area lacked many dining options; Randolph Restaurant Row hadn’t developed its posh reputation. Harpo Studios, home of The Oprah Winfrey Show, helped transformed the neighborhood and studio staffers often dined at the restaurant. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere that’s also convenient for Bulls and Blackhawks fans on their ways to the United Center.
A Lakeview location at 3300 N. Lincoln Avenue has different ownership and is run independently from the West Loop restaurant. Joel Nickson’s brother, Guy Nickson, operates the restaurant known as Wishbone North.
Ownership is going to throw a few farewell parties once they figure out a closing date. Nickson wanted to make the formal announcement about the move next week, but news of the liquor license application trickled out. Nickson said she’ll have more to announce later this summer: “We’re super excited,” she said.