Critically-acclaimed Korean American restaurant Parachute is taking a pause on the eve of its 10th anniversary.
The beloved Avondale spot from wife-husband duo Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark has announced it is closing its doors on March 23. The couple will renovate the space and launch a new concept under the Parachute brand. It’s not the complete end of Parachute, though, as the plan is to find a larger location for it in downtown Chicago. No time frame for the move was provided.
“Our community and restaurant family made us great. At 10 years, we think there is an opportunity to serve both with fresh ideas after taking a pause. Owning your evolution is important,” said Kim and Clark in a release.
Parachute has garnered countless accolades during its nearly decade-long run, including a Michelin star and James Beard Awards for Kim and Clark. It’s also one of Time Out’s best restaurants in Chicago.
The eatery is no stranger to hiatuses. After shutting down at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parachute didn’t reopen until more than two years later due to a round of extensive renovations.
“Ten years makes for an incredible ride. The years have afforded us the dream of opening our first restaurant and expressing our personal perspectives on Korean American cuisine. We feel really proud of all the accomplishments we achieved together and the great memories created here with the support of our restaurant team and neighborhood community,” Kim and Clark said.
Kim and Clark will still have a presence on Elston Avenue. Anelya, a Ukrainian-inspired concept that pays tribute to Clark’s roots, will continue to operate just down the street. In the meantime, if you want to experience the current iteration of Parachute one last time, reservations are available via OpenTable.