The Signature Room, iconic Chicago restaurant, closes doors for good

CHICAGO - The Signature Room, located in the building formerly known as the John Hancock Center, abruptly closed it doors Thursday.

For over 30 years, The Signature Room has been a choice dining location with views of Chicago's downtown form the 95th Floor of 875 N Michigan Avenue.

An employee working at the building told FOX 32 it was a tough day and that many employees came into work not knowing the Signature Room had shut down. In addition, some people with reservations showed up to locked doors.

FOX 32 spoke to a family that drove to Chicago on Thursday only to find out it was closed.

"We came from Wisconsin to go there. I am totally devastated," said Doris Nketiah.

Kimberly Bares, the President and CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association, says people jumped to the conclusion that crime had something to do with the restaurant shutting down. But in an announcement to customers, the Signature Room cited economic issues for the closure.

In a note posted on the entrance door, the owners say: "Unfortunately, after the closure of our city and restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been faced with severe economic hardship and the challenges have been greater than anticipated."

The property owner Madison Capital confirmed the closure.

"The Signature Room has thrived as an iconic establishment in Chicago and stands as one of the top-grossing restaurants nationwide. Chicago boasts some of the nation's finest, and most innovative, dining experiences and this presents a very unique and exciting opportunity for the next operator," Madison Capital spokesperson John Clote said.

Bares says it's a prime location, and she's sure someone will leap at the chance of leasing it.

"We will have to see what the future holds for the space that the Signature Room was in," she said.

The lounge on the 96th floor will also close along with the restaurant.

The closure is effective Thursday, Sept. 28.