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A POPULAR pizza joint with restaurants in 22 states will close down a location for good in December.
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom alerted its customers of the sad news via a Facebook post.
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Founded in 1976, Old Chicago serves up pizza, pasta, and its world-famous beer at over 60 locations across the US.
The chain plans to close its location in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina – 13 miles south of Myrtle Beach – by the end of the year.
After serving up diners since 2017, the Garden City location’s last day will be December 1.
The neighboring restaurant Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin will also shut its doors on the first of December, Old Chicago Pizza manager Ryan MacDonald told local CBS affiliate WBTW.
The manager said a Bohemian Bull Tavern and Beer Garden will replace Old Chicago.
The new restaurant’s owners hope to open it as soon as February or March according to Derek Renckert, a partner in the Bohemian Bull franchise.
He also shared that the new owners have interviewed many Old Chicago employees.
“Part of Bohemian Bull’s culture is to create a safe and family-like working environment for all staff,” said Renckert.
“We welcome any and all employees to stay and work for Bohemian Bull.”
Renckert said he had heard that the Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin location would be transformed into a rental property or real estate office.
FACEBOOK FAREWELL
Fans of Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom were informed of the impending closure through a sad Facebook post.
“Last Call in Garden City,” began the November 7 post.
“After many nights of football, trivia and those awesome beer tours, our Garden City location will be closing its doors on December 1st. This was not an easy decision, and we are so thankful for the support over the years during our time on the Grand Strand.
“Whether you join us a few times a week or on that yearly trip to the coast, we want you to know we appreciate you so much! The Hall of Foam and those WBT Steins hanging show all the friendships and stories that we’ve shared!
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom Locations
Old Chicago has over 60 locations across 22 states.
- Arizona – 2
- Arkansas – 1
- Colorado – 16
- Georgia – 2
- Idaho – 1
- Illinois – 1
- Indiana – 1
- Iowa – 2
- Kansas – 9
- Kentucky – 1
- Minnesota – 2
- Missouri – 5
- Montana – 3
- Nebraska – 1
- North Carolina – 2
- Oregon – 1
- South Carolina – 2
- South Dakota – 1
- Tennessee – 2
- Texas – 2
- Wisconsin – 1
- Wyoming – 3
Source: Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom
“There’s still time to visit and we’d love to welcome you in to share some memories and pepperoni rolls before the month is over. We’ve loved every turn of the barstool at Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom! We hope to see you soon!”
Many pizza lovers left heartfelt messages for Old Chicago in the comment section.
“Gosh I really hate to see you close,” wrote one fan. “We sure did love your pizzas!!!”
“Breaks my heart & yet also makes me a wee bit angry. Will certainly miss all the staff,” said a second.
SAVORY STRUGGLES
Old Chicago is not the only casual dining restaurant struggling.
Many restaurant chains have closed underperforming locations due to financial troubles and shifting consumer trends.
This year alone, popular eateries such as Red Lobster, Tijuana Flats, Pizza Hut, and TGI Friday’s have closed multiple locations.
As inflation continues to rise, high operating costs are making it tougher for restaurants to stay afloat.
These high costs are in turn making it more expensive for consumers to eat out, resulting in a drop in traffic.
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Outback Steakhouse is on the long list of restaurants affected by the challenging restaurant industry landscape.
The Australian-themed chain’s CEO revealed plans to simplify the menu after closing 41 locations.
Papa Johns is also working on a loyalty perks upgrade to help reverse its declining sales.
