Hey, anyone noticed that the P.J. Clarke’s on Armitage is closed right now? The story is a bit juicier than one might imagine — intrigue! sex! scandal! Or, okay, none of these, but there is French food and a conflict of interest. Sexy! Per Chicago Business News:
P.J. Clarke’s in Lincoln Park has temporarily closed its doors while owners work on its redesign — and, coincidentally, open another restaurant. Jonathan Segal says he’s had a difference of opinion with the landlord … and as a result has closed the restaurant while construction and redesign work is being done.
Ironically, the closure comes within weeks of Mr. Segal opening Madame Tartine, a River North French brasserie.
“We’ve had a difference of opinion on the build-out,” says Mr. Segal, son of convicted former insurance mogul Michael Segal, referring to landlord M Development. “That relationship has been getting better since we agreed to make the changes,” which include major reconstruction of the eatery’s upper level … While work at P.J. Clarke’s is being done, Mr. Segal has been able to spend more time at Madame Tartine, which he describes as a throw-back to Parisian restaurants of the 1960s … That the opening of Madame Tartine comes as P.J. Clarke’s is closing is “100% a coincidence,” says Mr. Segal.
Is there more to this than meets the eye? Developing…
PJ Clarke’s owner shutters eatery as new venture debuts [Chicago Business News]
P.J. Clarke’s [MenuPages]
P.J. Clarke’s [Official Site]
Madame Tartine [MenuPages]
