Restaurant News: Loop Chick-Fil-A Has Opening Date, Royce Closes

By Anthony Todd in Food on May 15, 2013 3:20PM

- As often happens, a mid-course correction didn't work for Royce. Formerly Moderno, the Highland Park restaurant re-concepted into Royce earlier this year. Now, after only a few months, Grubstreet reports that Chef John Des Rosiers second suburban restaurant has closed. We actually liked Moderno when it first opened, but Des Rosier seemed to think that the suburbs weren't quite ready for it. The comfort food version didn't work out either, it seems. Come to the city, John! We're waiting for you.

- The Chick-Fil-A location in the loop now has an official opening day. We reported on the new location back in January, and Sun-Times Digital Editor Marcus Gilmer has been keeping us appraised with fuzzy cell phone pictures, but now we know when everyone can start lining up for chicken sandwiches and/or boycotts. According to their website, opening day is June 20.

- A new distillery is coming to Logan Square, bringing the total of Chicago-area distilleries up to five. Six, if CH Distillery opens first. The Chicago Distilling Company is coming to 2359 N. Milwaukee Avenue, reports DNAinfo Chicago. They will be making whiskey, gin and vodka and hope to start production by the end of May and open a tasting room in July.