Snapshots along 75th Street #6wardchicago

In 2009 there was a infrastructure project on 75th Street where the city had to dig out some sewer lines which resulted in traffic being shut down and reopened to great hoopla and was declared a "Black Wall Street". Although it seems that has died down since then I see this area as a center for dining & night life.

Feel free to click on the pics for a larger resolution.

This pic is a professional building for sale. Earlier in the year there I posted about a listing for this building. Perhaps a place for doctors, lawyers, or business people. Granted I noted that this is a street great for dining & night life however bear in mind this is a street that has a number of retail establishments also.

Where O Where Have Our Restaurants Gone?

Photo courtesy of The Sixth Ward Blog

Recently over at The Sixth Ward Blog there was a discussion about the closing of Army & Lou's,( http://thesixthward.blogspot.com/2011/01/army-and-lous-to-close-maybe.html)since that discussion Izola's and Quench Fresh Foods have closed their doors and it appears that Josephine's/Hard Times is barely holding on. We termed the cuisine served in the restaurants here as Pan African cuisine. Unfortunately, the  restaurants are having problems delivering.

Recently, the Alderman Elect stated he would miss Izola's and was courting several restaurant operators to open up in Chatham as well as was planning to attend next month's National Restaurant Association annual show to court additional restaurants operators to consider our community. Also, Alderman Lyle reiterated her commitment to Army & Lou's current owners to assist them in finding investors/financing. Unfortunately, I believe they may have missed their best chance when they turned down a popular TV show overtures to appear on their restaurant makeover show.

So the questions remains why are our restaurants failing. I asked a couple of experienced and accomplished Chef's/restaurant operators what did they think . First, Dave Blackmon, former food writer, executive chef for Blu 47 and current Director of Culinary Education for Chicago Public Schools gave the following reasons
"I shoot from the gut when it comes to this business. The restaurant industry is not as easy as people think. If it was, then everybody would open one. It also has a very narrow profit margin and if and if not watched carefully business credit can be ruined and vendors will not do business with the restaurant. Checks will bounce, employees will get bitter. Blah, blah blah.
But that's just the end part. There are so many other factors to take in.
1. so many other cheap eateries open by outsiders from other countries (who have no interest in reinvesting in our community) yet we buy their unhealthy subpar fast food product.
2. Large fast food chains sell it cheap and FAST!!! (Fried Chicken!!!!)
3. Izola's & Army & Lou's have very slow service. plus the food was cold. UNACCEPTABLE!!!
4. The "Old Black Political Power Unit" that would often dine at these spots have died down.
5. Plus people are getting old and can't eat traditional soul food or are looking for a fresher dining option.
6. Dining areas needed a real update.

Bottom line. People just didn't dine there enough to keep the businesses a float. Places like Josephine's (aka Captain Hard Times) might not be that far behind if they don't change soon.
I understand the need to support our Black businesses, but bad service is bad service. BTW, I don't eat at those other eateries I mentioned either. They too have bad service."

The other comments came from Chef Eric Paul, owner of Alter Ego a healthy food alternative restaurant, personal trainer and nutrition educator. Mr. Paul comments were "I totally agree with Chef David. I would also add that these restaurants need to advertise more and continue to build their brands. The old word of mouth advertising doesn't work as well as it used. Second, mom and pop restaurants need to establish additional revenue sources such as catering, packaged versions of their famous recipes (i.e. peach cobbler for supermarkets) and possibly expand operations to include private events and meetings. David also stated that there is much more competition than in the days of old. Some of these restaurants should begin appealing to destination diners (i.e. diverse demographics and geography). In order to do the latter, the mom and pops need to revamp their business models by introducing attractions (i.e. chef nights, live music, art showings, spoken word, etc). Lastly, traditional soul food may be good for the soul, but not the heart. If these restaurant created lighter versions of some of their popular dishes, they may attract a different type of customer. The mom and pop restaurants should study the business models of established giants because they have tons of money and resources to conduct market research and stay ahead of trends. Doing business the same ole' way for 20 years is not going to cut it in this market. These restaurants need to hire some new age consultants who also understand their demographic and make changes quickly or perish."

What do you think? What type of restaurants would you like to see?

UPDATED: Fox Chicago News Friday - focusing on the 6th Ward

At least 2 stories on Friday night's Fox Chicago news featured our ward.

I just found one story with Tisha Lewis reporting at first from 73rd & Prairie - Levois

City of Chicago, Residents Work to Clear Side Streets of Snow: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

The most prominent was about the snow removal (or lack thereof), with a big map of our ward and examples, such as 73rd and Prairie.

They reported that Ald. Lyle received 200 complaints.

Scott Waguespack threw out an idea i was thinking about -- showing a map of who gets what done and when.

We're at a place technologically where we could easily create a color codeed map to show when streets wer ebeing served.

Darlene Hill then did a story on Army &  Lou's. They noted that the catering business is still open, so there is certianly hope that the restaurant itself can come back.

We can post a link if available.

The Stew: Army & Lou's 'on hold,' its future dubious

 

I had intended to post this earlier but there was the blizzard and then there were addition comments in JP's post about Army & Lou's that was published this past weekend. This post links to the Tribune blog, The Stew , took a look at the news that JP posted here over the weekend regarding Army & Lou's located @ 422 E. 75th St closing at least for the time being:

The growth of restaurants in Hyde Park, Bronzeville and the South Loop has not been good news for restaurants located farther south such as Army and Lou's. The current owners (there have been several in Army & Lou's 65-year history) reportedly are hoping to attract new investors, perhaps an outright buyer, to keep the South Side institution alive.

Let's hope for good news. A permanently closed Army & Lou's would be a terrible loss.

BTW, the owner managing partner of Army & Lou's, Harry Fleming, responded to Worlee's comment made in JP's post:

Hi, my name is Harry Fleming and I am the managing partner for Army & Lou's. There seems to be a misconception that I would like to clear up. We have no connection with Pearl's Place. The previous owenr, Ms. Reynolds managed Pearl's Place back in the 90's for a few years. Again, we have no connection at all with Pearl's Place.

Thank you for your time. 

Pearl's Place is located at 3901 South Michigan Avenue

Also Mr. Fleming had an additional comment:

Our issue is not the general operations of the business but mainly economics. I love Gordon Ramsey and in the past he has approched Ms. Reynolds to do his show, but she declined. I'm of the same mind set because I've seen his show and it wouldn't at the end of the day be the "best" move for us.

We have an excellent business plan that several banks and the SBA have looked at and like very much. The issue seems to be leading money in the restaurant industry. Banks are extremely hesitant to put investment dollars into the industry. At least that what the banks tell me. We are currently searching for privet investors and partnerships with different universities like KKC, CSU, and Depaul. 

If you have any information or can point me in a particular direction please feel free to contact me at armyandlous (at) yahoo.com

Let's hope that Mr. Fleming and his other partners are able to re-open this restaurant so that I can pay that establishment a visit. Let it be soon!

Army and Lou's to close - maybe permanently, maybe temporary

I saw this on Rep. Constance Howard's Facebook page:

Celebrate the History, Legacy, and Institution of Army & Lou's Restaurant

Come out with your friends and family to celebrate the rich history and say farewell "for now" to ARMY & LOU'S, the oldest black owned restaurant in the Midwest. Eat your favorite meals and listen to live Jazz on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy the buffet and Live G...ospel on Sunday, 422 East 75th St., Chicago.

So I sent her a message asking about it.  Here's what representaive howard shared with me:

JP, Here is information from BERA, regarding why the restaurant is closing:

Alicia Spears talked with the publicity representative from Army and Lou’s and here is a summary of their conversation:

Restaurant owners do not know if they will re-open. They need funds, they need willing parties to commit to use of the site-not just verbal consent; they need consistent support, or investors willing to take over the 65 year old establishment.

Many people are going to the south loop restaurants where it is more trendy, a better sense of security, better parking. Since many African-Americans now live north of 63rd Street, they don’t want to come south.

Alicia Spears

Executive Director
Business and Economic Revitalization Association (BERA)
773-783-2636
200 East 75th Street
Chicago, Illinois
http://www.beraecon.com/

Here is Army' & Lou's website.

i hope this restaurant doesn't close for good. We already lost Yonni's. We can't lose this classic restaurant. In addition to the food and people, 2 standout qualities include the art display from a nearby art gallery, and a meeting room that could be reserved for meetings, gatherings, etc. I used it several times for my former organization's monthly luncheon.

Chatham Business Association Awards dinner -- NOT in Chatham?!

Saw this sign for the Chatham Business Association's annual awards gala, to be held on September 17, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency downtown.

Why isn't it being held at some place such as Captain Hard Times Dining? It's a perfect place for an awards banquet (or a wedding reception, or other special events)

Seems kind of strange that an organization that is supposed to promote business in the neighborhood is taking it (necessarily?) out of the neighborhood, no?

Unless there isn't capacity in our neighborhood, why not have it here?

Now, if there are so many attendees that it might not be practical to have it at Captain's. But if the only issue might be parking, perhaps they could provide complimentary valet service (using places such as Ruggles School and local businesses).

Let's hope other community leaders continue to use the meeting rooms of businesses such as Army & Lou's and Chatham Pancake House.