At the end of May, Brendan Sodikoff's Bucktown pizza spot Roxie's by the Slice suddenly and unexpectedly closed its doors. The Chicago-based restauranteur tweeted that the location would re-open as a pop-up summer burger shop. Now, more details have emerged about what exactly that shop will be.
The restaurant will be called Small Cheval, and will be a "faster, more accessible version" of Sodikoff's Au Cheval in the West Loop, which makes one of the best burgers in Chicago. It is set to open on August 1, and will be in collaboration with Sir Kensington, which purveys condiments and other ingredients. At Small Cheval, customers will be able to order a hamburger ($8.95), cheeseburger ($9.95) or fries ($2.95) with the option to add bacon, lettuce, tomato and other condiments. You won't be able to get the classic Au Cheval burger, but rather build your own version of the sandwich. Like Roxie's, the location will continue to offer shots and craft beer. The new joint will also offer shakes and draft cocktails.
While Sodikoff initially claimed that the burger pop-up would be temporary, there's no indication that he's planning on re-opening the Brooklyn-style pizzeria. The old Roxie's sign has been painted over and replaced by a new Small Cheval sign.
Small Cheval will be open 11am to midnight Wednesday through Sunday.