- Credibility:
BUCKTOWN — After a decade in the neighborhood, Lillie’s Q is leaving North Avenue.
The restaurant shared the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“Bucktown, you’ve been incredible,” the post read. “When we opened 10 years ago, we had no idea what to expect, but you quickly welcomed us in, filling our restaurant to the brim each and every night.”
Lillie’s Q will officially close Sunday, April 5. There is no information yet on the restaurant’s new location.
The story was first reported by Eater.
Chef Charlie McKenna was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday. He told Eater he had no additional comments beyond the Facebook post.
Located at 1856 W. North Ave., Lillie’s Q opened in 2010.
The original Lillie’s Q, started by chef McKenna’s award-winning pitmaster parents, is in Destin, Fla.
Credit: Lillie’s Q/ProvidedIn January of 2013, McKenna added a second Chicago location at the French Market, 131 N. Clinton St.
That same year, a basement fire destroyed the restaurant and forced McKenna to close temporarily.
RELATED: Lillie’s Q Barbecue Joint Closing After Fire
Tuesday’s Facebook post referenced the fire:
“We were just getting our feet wet when faced with a heartbreaking setback the fire that threatened to close our doors for good,” the post said. “Over the next three months, we worked tirelessly to rebuild and reopen. And reopen we did; greeted with an even warmer welcome and given a second chance that we vowed to never take for granted.”
Lillie’s Q closed briefly in early 2019 for a major renovation, which included menu changes and alterations to the restaurant’s design.
It was unclear why the restaurant was moving so soon after the renovation. McKenna could not immediately be reached for comment.
RELATED: Lillie’s Q Barbecue Is Back — With A New Look, A Walk-Up Counter And Cooking Classes
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