I believe they were pushed out in late April or early May, I think. The entire building is vacant, and it is coming down. It will be a park/plaza thing for the new office building next to it–at least that’s what I remember reading somewhere. And yes, I found plenty of articles from a year ago lamenting the impending closure, but nothing recent. Odd.
There was quite the crowd on the last day Harry’s was open. NBC was there around lunch time and ABC was there around 2pm when they were basically out of all their food.
I too am disappointing there was not more coverage. But I think the last time there was more “news” because John Buck was going after the building with eminent domain and the backing of the mayor.
Thanks for the comment Phil (and everyone else!) I remember reading about Harry’s new job, but I didn’t realize it was the same “hot dog Harry” guy. Well, good for him.
Oh, and: the Giordano’s next door closed on 4/24/09 (according to a sign on their door), so I assume that’s also when Harry’s and the other businesses in the building closed. C’est la vie…
They finally pushed Harry out?!?!?
How did this happen without any press coverage?
It was a big story a year or so back…
Is the building coming down?
I believe they were pushed out in late April or early May, I think. The entire building is vacant, and it is coming down. It will be a park/plaza thing for the new office building next to it–at least that’s what I remember reading somewhere. And yes, I found plenty of articles from a year ago lamenting the impending closure, but nothing recent. Odd.
Swung by there yesterday.
The small elephants above the windows are already vanishing!!!
There was quite the crowd on the last day Harry’s was open. NBC was there around lunch time and ABC was there around 2pm when they were basically out of all their food.
I too am disappointing there was not more coverage. But I think the last time there was more “news” because John Buck was going after the building with eminent domain and the backing of the mayor.
I just found your site about 2 hours ago and have been fascinated exploring it. Wonderful photos and great history!
I can’t remember ever eating at Harry’s. But I do remember passing the Showman’s League building many times and just taking pleasure looking at.
Harry is back to ‘work’, in a way:
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1608134,CST-NWS-stein05.article
Thanks for the comment Phil (and everyone else!) I remember reading about Harry’s new job, but I didn’t realize it was the same “hot dog Harry” guy. Well, good for him.
Oh, and: the Giordano’s next door closed on 4/24/09 (according to a sign on their door), so I assume that’s also when Harry’s and the other businesses in the building closed. C’est la vie…
Noah,
Harry’s closed on April 17th, not the 24th.
Thanks for the clarification, Rob.
Couldn’t find the exact date online…
No worries. Here’s Harry on his last day:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phule/3450976557/
Some background on the building (which is being demolished now) and the corporate park that’ll take it’s place:
http://arcchicago.blogspot.com/2009/06/park-for-people-no-way-park-for-office.html