Who are the owners of Signature Room? Fine dining restaurant of Chicago shuts door after 30 years in business
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Rick Roman and Nick Pyknis, the owners of the Signature Room, managed the premium restaurant for 30 years after its formal closure on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
Chicago’s iconic Signature Room restaurant, located on the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock Center, announced its closure on Thursday, per Daily Mail.
The abrupt closure came as a surprise to food enthusiasts, residents of Chicago, and the world in general. The restaurant has been one of the city's notable attractions for epicurists over the last three decades.
Many on social media expressed grief as the restaurant announced that they were closing operations in a Facebook and Instagram post.
The history of the Signature Room
After starting operations in 1993, the restaurant continued to be managed by its owners, Richard Roman and Nick Pyknis, until its shocking closure.
Roman and Pyknis assumed ownership of the restaurant in July 1993, along with other staff members, under the umbrella of Infusion Management Group. They acquired Signature Room @95th and Signature Lounge @96th.
Over the years, the restaurant won several accolades, with Roman even winning the Restaurateur of the Year award from the Illinois Restaurant Association in 1999.
The iconic eatery also won several other notable accolades and eventually became one of the most sought-after eating experiences in Chicago.
It was consistently on the list of “America’s Top Tables" since 1997, as per Gourmet Magazine readers.
Why did Signature Room close down?
In a statement on social media and on their official website, the owners noted that the eatery came under severe economic hardship after its temporary closure during the Covid-19 pandemic and was unable to sustain itself.
They wrote in their statement, “After over three decades of creating cherished memories, it is with profound sadness that we announce the permanent closure of the iconic Signature Room at the 95th, effective Thursday, September 28, 2023."
The statement continued, "For over 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from all over the world. Together, we’ve marked countless life moments – from heartwarming engagements to milestone anniversaries."
"Unfortunately, after the closure of our city and restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been faced with severe economic hardship, and the challenges have been greater than we anticipated," they continued.
"These factors, beyond our control, have left us with no choice but to close our doors," wrote the owners with a somber heart.
"Though this chapter ends, our gratitude for your unwavering support remains steadfast. Every meal served, every toast raised, and every memory made was possible because of you," continued the statement.
"We are eternally grateful for the trust you placed in us to be part of your special moments. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this unexpected challenge. We will do our best to reach out and address all questions,” Rick Roman and Nick Pyknis concluded.
According to a memo obtained by NBC Chicago, one other reason that was cited by the owners to the staff was apparently the failed renegotiations of the restaurant’s lease.
It remains to be seen whether more information about the Signature Room’s sudden closure will emerge in the coming days.