Fast food aficionados are in mourning today, following the sudden permanent closure of the Loop's only Wendy's. The restaurant, located at 6 S Clark St, turned off the lights and removed all of its signage on Wednesday. The only remnant of the longtime lunch spot? Two cryptic signs in the doorway—and bewildered customers, who are turned away by the now-empty storefront.
Photograph: Jonathan Samples
Photograph: Jonathan Samples
The departure of Wendy's could have several immediate outcomes: The Loop will no longer have a spicy chicken nugget option, and McDonald's will likely see an uptick in traffic. Other lunchtime options exist within the burgeoning downtown food hall scene, like Revival Food Hall and the planned Wells St. Market, which is expected to open later this year.
Wendy's loyalists can still get their fix without leaving the city, but the closest location to the Loop is on the border of East Village and Wicker Park at 1623 W Division St.
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