Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe in River North to close after nearly four decades
CHICAGO - The Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago has announced it will close its doors for good later this year.
The restaurant, known for its rock ’n’ roll memorabilia and iconic atmosphere, opened in 1986 and has been a part of the city’s dining and cultural landscape for nearly four decades.
What we know:
Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe, which is located at 63 W. Ontario St. in the River North neighborhood, will permanently close on March 29.
The company plans to support employees through the transition by providing outplacement resources and encouraging applications to positions at other Hard Rock locations.
Nearby alternatives include the Rockford and Northern Indiana Hard Rock Cafes, as well as five new cafes opening this quarter.
What we don't know:
The company has not disclosed specific reasons for the Chicago closure or what will happen to the iconic building once the location shuts down.

Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago in October 1993 | Getty Images
The backstory:
The closure marks the end of an era.
Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe was one of the first ten locations to open as the brand expanded globally. Its River North location has served as a destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of music history and dining.
What they're saying:
Hard Rock International released a statement expressing gratitude to its Chicago staff, customers, and community partners for their support over the years.
"Hard Rock has enjoyed serving the Windy City community for nearly 40 years and playing a role in the city’s celebrated dining culture. We are so grateful to our incredible team members, community partners and fans for their support and memories all this time," the statement read in part. "The Chicago location will permanently close on March 29, 2025."
What's next:
Hard Rock Cafe plans to continue its global presence, with 319 locations in 74 countries and new cafes opening soon. Locals and fans are encouraged to visit nearby locations or explore other Hard Rock venues for a similar experience.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by Hard Rock International.