A chic and community-favorite brunch restaurant, Wishbone is preparing to close its doors by end of the month. Chef Joel Nickson shared the closure announcement on social media on August 3.
Beloved Wishbone Brunch Restaurant Set to Close
A Southern-inspired brunch institution in Chicago’s West Loop has confirmed its closure. After 36 years of service, Wishbone plans to permanently close by the end of August 2026.
The restaurant was known for its colorful wall artwork, Southern-inspired menu, and casual dining atmosphere. The menu focuses on comfort cooking and uses fresh ingredients at an affordable price. Recommended items include Cajun shrimp, crunchy French toast, and fried catfish.
The owners of the restaurant shared an official closure announcement on social media. “While we don’t yet have a closing date, our goal is to remain open through the end of August,” said the team.
The owners acknowledged that “it is not easy to say goodbye” and that the restaurant has been a part of their life for so long.
The restaurant thanked the community, staff, and customers for their support and said, “To our many loyal customers and to the generations of staff members who helped make Wishbone what it became, thank you.”
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About Wishbone
Wishbone is owned and operated by Chef Joel Nickson and Julie Nickson. It was founded in 1990 as a tiny 23-seat restaurant located at 1800 W. Grand Avenue.
In the post, the team mentioned, “We began in 1990 at 1800 West Grand Avenue on a shoestring budget with a lot of help from my family and, of course, my mother’s paintings on the walls.
Wishbone opened its second location at 1001 W. Washington in 1992. After 27 years of operation, the restaurant moved to the West Loop neighborhood at 161 N. Jefferson Street.
Before closing, the owners are inviting guests to visit the restaurant during its final weeks of service. The hours of the restaurant may change for its last weeks of operation. The closure of Wishbone will mark a significant loss for the Chicago dining community.
