Bibliophile, Hyde Park’s Boozy Bakery Bar, Has Closed

After a little less than a year in Hyde Park, Bibliophile, the ambitious bar and restaurant with booze-infused pastries, has closed at 1644 E. 53rd Street. Owner Michael Scott Carter told Eater Chicago in late August that he was close to shutting down operations as his former wife, Fabiana Carter, had announced the closure of Fabiana’s Bakery. Michael Scott Carter said he felt the economy had taken a downturn for restaurants in recent months. That coupled with personal issues, including his split from his ex-wife, led to tough business decisions.

Back in August, Fabiana Carter blamed her bakery’s shutter on the economy. She said foot traffic around the bakery was slow, adding that operating a restaurant was too expensive in the area. She had been providing Bibliophile’s desserts, but she and her then-husband did not work together when it came to Bibliophile’s operations. Fabiana Carter also disagreed with her ex-husband that the divorce had anything to do with the closure.

The cakes were themed after classic books like To Kill A Mockingbird. That went with Bibliophile’s motif. It was surrounded by books which were available for purchase. Fabiana’s is now focusing more on wholesale customers, including supplying baked goods for chains like Philz Coffee.

Bibliophile got off to a rocky start. The chef slated to open the restaurant quietly departed a short time before it opened. Michael Scott Carter had planned to open other restaurants, but he said he’s switched directions. He wanted to spend more time with his children, ages 6 and 12. Block Club Chicago reported Michael Scott Carter intends to open a new restaurant in the space with a new staff. There’s no word on when a new restaurant would open. Sunday was Bibliophile’s last day.