Longtime Noodle Mini-Chain Penny’s Closing Last City Restaurant

Penny’s Noodle Shop is closing its last city location in Lakeview

It’s the end of an era for fans of Pad Thai on the North Side. Penny’s Noodle Shop, a pioneer in Chicago for Thai noodle and rice dishes, plans to close its last location in the city on April 14 after a quarter-century at 950 W. Diversey Parkway, according to a sign on the door. The Penny’s in Wrigleyville became Paul’s Noodles in 2014 and the Wicker Park location is now Bill Kim’s Urbanbelly. Suburban Penny’s appear to be staying open. Ownership hasn’t responded to a message for more information.

River North nightclub Sound Bar reopening after shooting

Going from closings to reopenings, popular River North nightclub Sound Bar is reopening tonight. The club has been closed by police since a shooting in March that killed a doorman and injured an associate of the club. Management has a full lineup of DJs and performers beginning tonight.

Acclaimed Loop hot dog stand appears to be reopening

Owners of acclaimed Loop hot dog stand U.B. Dogs appear to be planning to reopen, as there’s a sign on the door that reads “R+D in progress. U.B. Dogs will be back summer 2019.” The stand closed in late December after eight years at 185 N. Franklin Street, as ownership announced at the time that they would open a different restaurant in the space. They haven’t yet replied to a message for more information.

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Ordinance approved that could lead to more liquor licenses near ‘sensitive areas’

And finally, the city could soon see more businesses with liquor licenses near schools, hospitals, churches, and daycare centers. A City Council committee on Thursday approved an ordinance that makes it easier to bypass a law that makes it difficult for new liquor licenses to be approved within 100 feet of those “sensitive areas,” the Sun-Times reports.