Official Statement: Red Light Closed, Gioco to Reopen

By Anthony Todd in Food on Mar 28, 2011 8:48PM

Earlier today, we heard from Eater Chicago that Red Light, the west loop/restaurant row Asian fusion mainstay, had closed, likely for good. We just got official word from Jerry Kleiner, part owner of KDK restaurant group, which controls both spots. Speculation has been fairly negative for KDK, owners of Marche (closed), Opera (just closed) and the still-hopping Carnivale. Gioco, their South Loop Italian spot, closed last weekend as well, and it was beginning to look like the group was in serious trouble. Red Light recently announced a new menu and a new chef, but it looks like they are gone for good. Gioco is apparently coming back.

According to Eater, Red Light was closed for operating without a liquor license and Gioco was closed by the state because of tax problems. Especially after the closure of other KDK restaurants, that seemed like it the final blow for both places.

The statement said of Gioco: "Gioco, which has remained profitable over the years, has closed for the time being so that owners and investors can assess who will be involved and how details will be worked out going forward. It will reopen as soon as possible with the same name, concept and location."

KDK is "working on new concepts." KDK restaurants were some of our first outings in Chicago, and we still enjoy dining at Carnivale, but, frankly the group seems to have lost its touch. Their dramatic, red-filled interiors, fusion menus and interesting cocktail options helped make the restaurant scene of the last decade, but their day may be over. Despite living a few blocks away, we've never been fans of Gioco (though we were sad to see Opera go) but hopefully in the revamp they can make the space into something great.