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Wishbone’s days at its current West Loop location, where the restaurant operated for nearly three decades, are numbered. Ownership announced that Sunday, October 14 will be their final day at 1001 W. Washington Boulevard.
Increasing rents in the neighborhood made the announcement inevitable, but fans won’t be without the restaurant for long. Co-owner Julie Nickson said Wishbone should soon reopen in the West Loop in 10 days to two weeks after the shutter.
Thank you all for making this a special place for the last 27 years. We will miss our little corner here in the West...
Posted by Wishbone Restaurant on Thursday, September 27, 2018
The restaurant is a pioneer in the West Loop that opened 27 years ago before many developers had labeled the neighborhood a hot alternative to areas like River North. Julie and husband/chef Joel Nickson served southern specialities like shrimp and grits to a neighborhood that didn’t yet have a Randolph Restaurant Row. But while the area became trendier and pricier, it still operated as a neighborhood restaurant that was family friendly.
That’s what made the Thursday’s announcement a bit anti-climatic. West Loopers had heard for years that a move was in the cards. Julie Nickson said back in June that they had a solid relationship with the building’s landlord and didn’t face pressure to move. The new space, 161 N. Jefferson Street is about a half mile east. It includes a patio and housed the most recent incarnation of Bin 36 wine bar.
The restaurant shouldn’t be confused with the Lincoln Avenue eatery with the same name. That restaurant is independently owned by Guy Nickson. He’s brother with chef Joel Nickson in the West Loop.
Stay tuned for news on an opening date for the new location. But for a dose of nostalgia, customers have 18 days to visit the Washington Boulevard location.
