Cheesie's Closes Evanston Location Over Rent Increases

EVANSTON, IL — Cheesie's Pub & Grub is permanently shuttering its downtown Evanston location Friday after almost five years on Davis Street, citing increasing rents. In a social media message Wednesday, the sandwich-focused, fast casual local restaurant group said the decision was a painful one.

"Northwestern and Evanston will always hold a special place in our hearts," the message said. "We are hoping for a new location in Evanston soon."

Founder Chris Johnston opened the first Cheesie's in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood in 2011. The Evanston location opened in 2013. It expanded to Wicker Park, and opened up (and closing) in Gurnee and LaGrange.

Cheesie's and Johnston also operate a food truck and a 1980s and 90s themed bar adjoining the Belmont Avenue location called Whiskey Business.

With its relatively affordable and accessible menu of mainly grilled cheese sandwiches, Cheesie's has become a favorite of Northwestern University students.

Evanston's economic development manager told the Daily Northwestern city officials would need to work quickly with the company to ensure the "next round of freshmen get to experience Cheesie's."

Cheesie's will be open 4 p.m. to midnight on its final day Friday, while the food truck will continue to operate.

A post shared by The Cheesie's Truck (@cheesies_truck) on Jun 4, 2018 at 9:16am PDT

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