Bobby's Of Lincoln Park - closing

Yelp reports (as does the evidence of our own eyes, since we pass by frequently) that Bobby's of Lincoln Park has closed. It was on Lincoln a little south of Wrightwood. I think it was there for about a year.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/bobbys-lincoln-park-chicago

Pure speculation on my part, but it seems to be a difficult proposition for suburban restaurants (like Bobby's of Deerfield) to make it in the city. I know the original has its critics but compared to a lot of restaurants up and down Lincoln, the city location was probably no better or worse than most. My guess is they were counting on the new high rises on Lincoln from Belden to Wrightwood to furnish a base of customers, but Bobby's might have been better off completely disguising its suburban identity than proclaiming it.

riddlemay wrote:Pure speculation on my part, but it seems to be a difficult proposition for suburban restaurants (like Bobby's of Deerfield) to make it in the city.

I have no idea how business is going, but Avli Taverna just a couple blocks west on Wrightwood, opened about the same time and faces the same test.

bweiny wrote:

riddlemay wrote:Pure speculation on my part, but it seems to be a difficult proposition for suburban restaurants (like Bobby's of Deerfield) to make it in the city.

I have no idea how business is going, but Avli Taverna just a couple blocks west on Wrightwood, opened about the same time and faces the same test.

That area really needed a Greek place.

bweiny wrote:

riddlemay wrote:Pure speculation on my part, but it seems to be a difficult proposition for suburban restaurants (like Bobby's of Deerfield) to make it in the city.

I have no idea how business is going, but Avli Taverna just a couple blocks west on Wrightwood, opened about the same time and faces the same test.

Anecdotal account for sure, but I live in the area and dined at both restaurants a few times. Bobby's was good, quality food, but there was nothing unique about it, and it was never crowded when I went. Avli is also good, and I like the modern take on traditional Greek cuisine. Every time I've been, it has been packed. They also have a massive patio that was a big draw in the summer months.

riddlemay wrote:Pure speculation on my part, but it seems to be a difficult proposition for suburban restaurants (like Bobby's of Deerfield) to make it in the city.

People will go to a restaurant that provides some combination of quality food and service, value for the money, and uniqueness/differentiation. There are other factors, of course, but this is a basic truth. I doubt that anyone cares whether or not a restaurant is affiliated with another location that happens to be in the suburbs. And based on the above report, Avli seems to provide proof to the contrary.

Bobby's Of Deerfield thread here. I'm pretty certain that thread was started by a shill or someone who was affiliated with the place. In any case, it is truly awful and I have no idea why on earth they thought there was any demand for a second location.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:Bobby's Of Deerfield thread here. I'm pretty certain that thread was started by a shill or someone who was affiliated with the place. In any case, it is truly awful and I have no idea why on earth they thought there was any demand for a second location.

=R=

That poster explained himself in an earlier post.

Subject: What are you drinking?

travelbluesfood wrote:I do foodie travel for business but often find that cocktail/wine pairings for (even fancy) ethnic food are limited.

ronnie_suburban wrote:Bobby's Of Deerfield thread here. I'm pretty certain that thread was started by a shill or someone who was affiliated with the place. In any case, it is truly awful and I have no idea why on earth they thought there was any demand for a second location.

=R=

My thoughts exactly.

Well, darn. My husband got another Bobby’s gift card for the Holidays from the same client who gave him one last year. We were thinking of trying the city Bobby’s as we won’t return to the Deerfield location for food. Guess not.

LynnB wrote:Well, darn. My husband got another Bobby’s gift card for the Holidays from the same client who gave him one last year. We were thinking of trying the city Bobby’s as we won’t return to the Deerfield location for food. Guess not.

Regifting?