Iconic West Loop restaurant Wishbone to close by end of month after 36 years in business
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Wishbone restaurant, a longtime West Loop destination known for its Southern cuisine, will close later this month, drawing an influx of customers eager to enjoy one last meal and visit with owner Joel Nickson.
Over the years, the restaurant changed locations, but its loyal customer base continued to follow. News of the closure has prompted even more people to stop by, both for the food and to see Nickson.
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What began as an eclectic, affordable gathering place for artists evolved into a staple for customers seeking comfort food in a comfortable setting filled with paintings by the owner's mother. The restaurant has attracted everyone from Oprah staffers to celebrities and politicians.
But the establishment has struggled to adapt to changes in downtown traffic, including fewer people commuting into the city for work and fewer customers coming in for weekday breakfast and lunch.
"We are just sad, just devastated. It's like a, a, a household name. It's like, you know, we've been coming here for years," customer Karen Freemen said.
Joel and Julie Nickson decided it was time to close the restaurant. While Julie typically works behind the scenes, Joel is the public face of the business.
"I'm kind of torn up about it to be honest with you because we've all worked together for so long," Joel Nickson said.
During 36 years in business, the restaurant navigated major challenges while building a devoted customer base. Nickson credited both customers and employees for helping sustain the business through difficult periods.
"There was the, of course, the '08 crash and 9/11. You know, there were, there were definitely ups and downs," he said.
Sam Toia of the Illinois Restaurant Association said Wishbone's commitment to employees was a key part of its success.
"You're not going to last in the restaurant business if you're not taking care of your team members, because that will trickle down to the customers. Wishbone knew this," Toia said.
Many employees have worked for Nickson for more than 25 years. As the restaurant prepares to close, Nickson said his priority is helping employees through the transition.
"I wanted to try to land some people, and people are starting to call me about staff," he said.
Customers have also been sharing memories from decades of visits.
"We were in here at least once a week for, at least once a week for probably 20 years. You know, and, and the grandson is like 25, lives in, uh, Florida. Whenever he comes to visit, the first thing he says is, 'Wishbone. When we going to Wishbone?'" customer Gloria M. Goodman said.
Nickson said he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and personal stories.
"It's kind of nice to think that we were, we were a neighborhood place, but we were kind of a city restaurant, and people had different memories and stuff," he said. "Some of them I can't even believe, I'm like, uh... But it's been nice."
Before the restaurant closes at the end of the month, Nickson said he plans to celebrate with current and former staff members and spend time reminiscing with the customers who found comfort at Wishbone through good times and bad.
