Hutch American Bistro Replacing Socca End of June

Lake View’s popular Mediterranean restaurant Socca is officially shuttering June 30 to make way for a new restaurant, Hutch American Bistro.

Rumors that the restaurant was closing broke in early May when former owner Roger Herring announced on his personal Facebook page he decided not to resign Socca’s lease after nearly 10 years.

New owner Marc Wuenschel says he’s friends with Herring and his business partner, and he purchased the business at 3301 N. Clark St. when they decided they wanted out. That’s when Hutch American Bistro was born.

“It’s going to be American comfort food,” Wuenschel said. “…I’m taking the word Hutch because it’s something found in every American home.”

Wuenschel says they’re throwing a farewell party to Socca the evening of June 30, and then it will be lights-out for more than two weeks to complete construction. Crews will create a much more casual feel, he said, with features like a raised seating area in the back, a new bar, new cork ceilings and textured walls.

The grand opening is slated for July 18, if construction goes according to plan.

Socca’s entire staff will remain onboard, Wuenschel told Eater Chicago, but they’ll cook different food. That will include baby back ribs, double cut pork chops and flatbreads. There will also be new drinks and American wines.

The biggest move will be shedding Socca’s upscale feel for a relaxed atmosphere. Wuenschel said he’s hoping the casual look will have people coming back upwards of three times a week, rather than it being a weekend getaway.

“I think it’s a well needed restaurant in Lake View,” he said.

Hours of operation will be 5-10 p.m. on weekdays, 5-midnight on weekends with a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.