Owners Close Hubbard Inn After Eight Years For River North Remodel

After eight years, it’s time for a change at Hubbard Inn, which closed on Sunday in River North. The venue’s owners are holding on to the high-profile Hubbard Street space and plan to open something new in late summer at 110 W. Hubbard Street. Ownership is promising a new concept, but they’re still keeping the Hubbard Inn name, according to a news release.

Hubbard Inn owner Carmen Rossi isn’t sharing how his crews will spruce up the space or what menu changes customers should expect. Hubbard Inn opened in 2011, a two-floor space with a decor featuring Bohemian influences, particularly from famed writer Ernest Hemingway. Customers could find bar snacks and flatbreads to go along with their cocktails.

Rossi later formed a company, 8 Hospitality, and opened more bars and restaurants. The company took over the club next door, Epic, in 2016 and converted the space into Joy District. Other 8 Hospitality venues include LiqrBox in Old Town, Old Grounds Social in Lincoln Park, and HVAC Pub in Wrigleyville.

Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Rossi has had positive feedback on signing a new lease on the Hubbard Inn space. No agreement has been finalized. One of the building’s owners happens to be the connected with Atomic Hospitality. Atomic is behind City Hall, a new restaurant and bar in West Loop. Rossi has said he sees Hubbard Street as an entertainment district, kind of the Chicago answer to the Las Vegas strip. So expect that kind of energy in the new Hubbard Inn.

In addition to the River North news, a second Hubbard Inn is scheduled to open in June at Midway International Airport. Expect more news on both projects in the coming weeks.