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.

Lights Out in the West Loop: Red Light Closes

Red Light at 820 W. Randolph St has closed its doors according to an article in today's Crain's ChicagoBusiness. Just like it's sister restaurant, Gioco, a sign posted on the door Wednesday announced that it was closed. The reason for its closing: an expired state license. Gioco closed its doors on Wednesday too, for falling behind on employee withholding and sales tax payments.

Red Light was a popular pan-Asian restaurant located in the West Loop.

This is another blow to KDK Restaurants, Inc. Jerry Kleiner who said Gioco would be reopening is saying the same about Red Light, although now, he's directing all questions to his lawyer Howard Davis, a KDK partner as is Kleiner.

Gioco's closing was another in a list of restaurant closings on S. Wabash Ave. First Ole' Hardwood closed due to a fire that was called suspicious on December 30, 2010; Opera, another KDK restaurant closed it's doors after dinner service the following day.

In the West Loop, Marché also owned by KDK closed June 13, 2010 after 17 years at 833 W. Randolph St.