America’s top vegetarian restaurant chain opens in River North very soon

River North will get a location of America’s largest vegetarian chain in less than two weeks. Veggie Grill, which debuted in Chicago in Lakeview just over a year ago, will open at 629 N. Wells Street in less than two weeks, a rep says. At 60 seats, this spot — the chain’s third in Chicago and 33rd in the country — is the largest in the Windy City.

Say goodbye to Ukrainian Village’s popular prison-themed burger bar

Creative burger and heavy metal fans say goodbye to the popular nine-year-old Lockdown Bar & Grill today. The Ukrainian Village favorite at 1024 N. Western Avenue has been packed since news broke of the closing eight days ago when owner PJ Zonis quipped “I am generally through being locked down.” It’ll open one hour later than usual, at noon, for its last hurrah.

The Hyde Park location of a popular barbecue chain closes for reconcepting

BBQ Supply Co. has been closed for about a week at 1301 E. 53rd Street In Hyde Park as owner Jared Leonard said he is going to reconcept the location that opened in October 2017. The original location in Rogers Park closed in November. Leonard has rebranded a location in Denver as AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q, as he felt the “supply” portion of the name was confusing. Stay tuned for details and cue up the requests for Ribs N’ Bibs to return to Hyde Park.

One of Logan Square and Wicker Park’s most popular bar groups plans a new spot

The folks behind popular Logan Square and Wicker Park bars the Owl, Estelle’s, and more hope to take over a longtime Polish dive for their newest spot, but need to convince the neighborhood first. Four Entertainment Group will pitch their plan for the Mr. ZJ’s space at 2922-24 N. Central Park Avenue at a community meeting on March 6, Block Club reports. They’re hoping to add an outdoor patio plus another addition and renovations.

Changes come to the Scout owners’ South Loop Mexican spot

The owners of popular South Loop sports bar the Scout recently closed their neighboring Mexican restaurant Lobo Rey temporarily for cosmetic and menu changes and reopened it as more of a bar. Its Facebook page is now named the Lobo Canteen and new menu items include an avocado daiquiri, Mexican pizzas, and Tex-Mex chicken wings. Stay tuned to see if the changes lead to more success.

A new Logan Square hotspot is now open during weekend days

And finally, one of the hottest bars and restaurants in Chicago — Young American in Logan Square — launches weekend daytime hours tomorrow. It’ll now open at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, a rep says.