Gioco to Reopen in the South Loop?

In a story posted to Crain's ChicagoBusiness this afternoon, it was announced that KDK Restaurants is shutting down Wes Loop restaurant, Red Light, but will reopen Gioco.

When exactly Gioco will reopen is uncertain. A message on S.Wabash Italian eatery's answering machine says they hope to be open in a few weeks. The message goes on to apologize for any inconvenience and thanks customers for their patronage. A message on the restaurant's answering machine on Friday said they were experiencing a water problem and would be open today.

Gioco at 1312 S. Wabash Ave.

Red Light was operating with an expired state business license. Gioco had its license revoke for falling behind on employee withholding and state taxes. At the KDK Web site, it's business as usual, with no mention that Gioco or Red Light are closed.

The KDK empire used to be comprise of such high-end restaurants as Opera, Marché, and Le Lan and Soul. Opera closed in December, Le Lan and Soul closed down in May 2009, and Marché in June.

Gioco "Shuttered" Over Taxes

According to today's Crain's ChicagoBusiness, South Loop restaurant pioneer, Gioco, closed Wednesday due to falling behind on "employee withholding and sales tax payments."

Gioco was the first of the upscale restaurants on S. Wabash Ave. in the South Loop.

The popular Italian eatery at 1312 S. Wabash Ave. had its state license revoked, while the tax matter is being addressed. The Jerry Kleiner empire that once included such upscale fare as Marché, Room 21, and Opera, now includes only one restaurant--Red Light in the West Loop.

One of several identical signs posted on the windows of Gioco

According to Kleiner, Gioco is profitable, although no actual numbers were disclosed. Gioco's former neighbor, Opera is due to reopen as The Scout this spring.

What do you think? Will Gioco reopen? Would you be sorry to see it go?