River North’s Swanky LA-Imported Restaurant Will Make Big Changes

A prolific LA group will make big changes to its Chicago restaurant

Mason, the first Chicago restaurant from a prolific LA hospitality group, will turn into something new in River North’s Found Chicago Hotel. The restaurant will “change concepts later this summer,” an h.wood Group rep writes, to a casual new spot that will also open at other Found hotels around the country. Mason opened in summer 2018 with a classy throwback American menu and decor along with its popular basement Asian karaoke and cocktail bar Blind Dragon, which will remain open unaffected. Stay tuned for news on what the new restaurant will be and more specifics on when it will open.

City shuts down a popular West Loop brunch and drinks spot

Here’s more news on another noteworthy Chicago restaurant that’s closed temporarily — except this one was mandated by the city. Drinkhaus Supper Club, the boozy West Loop Cajun restaurant and bar from hospitality vet Teddy Gilmore (Nouveau Tavern), is shut down by city inspectors for “minor building code infractions,” management announced on social media yesterday. Management wrote that they are “trying to work with the landlord to get the space up to code” and there’s no word yet when it might reopen. It originally opened last summer at 820 W. Jackson Boulevard.

Chicago airline caterers picket at O’Hare as possible strike looms

Chicago airline caterers held an “informal picket” on July 3 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport following a vote last month to authorize a strike, according to a news release from Unite Here Local 1, which represents workers at America, Delta, and United airlines who prepare and pack in-flight meals. The “national day of action” happened at 30 U.S. airports. Stay tuned to find out if a full strike happens.

America’s first boozy Taco Bell isn’t serving booze

And finally, two Chicago boozy Taco Bells — including the first in America — are currently not serving booze. That location in Wicker Park as well as the more recent opening in Logan Square temporarily haven’t been able to sell alcohol following changes in their franchisee owners who need the city to approve new liquor licenses, Block Club reports. Three downtown boozy bells are still serving liquor.

Correction: The first item about Mason in the Found Hotel has been corrected to reflect that it isn’t closing but it will reconcept.