CBS Chicago: Two Chatham restaurants could close due to pandemic

 

[VIDEO] This report features the owners of two Chatham restaurants both located on 75th Street. Mabe's Deli and 5 Loaves - I've yet to visit them and I hear a lot about their chicken - who are struggling thanks to this pandemic. Dine-in is difficult because of mitigation efforts that either prohibited dine-in service or limits the capacity of dine-in service. Indeed the talk before the weather got colder was to allow tents to allow people to dine-in, however, they'd do so outside of the establishment.

Either way this pandemic has been painful for small businesses across the nation for sure.

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.

Chicago's Best Fried Chicken: 5 Loaves Eatery

[VIDEO] Recently a 6th Ward business 5 Loaves Eatery was show on Chicago's Best TV which airs both on WGN & CLTV. We shared an Instagram post from 5 Loaves early last month letting us know that CBTV host Britney Payton was dropping by to film a segment hear and invited people to drop by.

I'm sorry to say I've never visited this place, however, since they are located near 75th/King Drive they're worth a visit. Also it's a plus that they're not far from Lem's Bar-B-Q which is down the street on 75th also.

Has anyone else been? How do they like the food? Also what would you recommend for a first timer to that restaurant?

5Loaves on WGN's "Chicago's Best" next Thursday

Actually what I'm taking from this recent Instagram post from the eatery located on 405 E. 75th Street, they want a packed restaurant when the crew from Chicago's Best arrives on Nov. 16, 2017. The show itself airs on Sundays at 10 PM on WGN. Hopefully we can share the program itself if it's available online.

Join us next Thursday 11/16 We’re going to be featured on WGNs 📺Chicago’s Best!! #5Loaves #Chicago #SmallBusinesses #BlackBusinesses #CountryCooking #Family #Love #HotnFresh #75thStreet #wgnnews BLESSINGS ON BLESSINGS 🙌🏾

A post shared by Constance Simms-Kincaid (@5loaveseatery) on Nov 10, 2017 at 10:06am PST

5 Loaves restaurant has electrical box stolen

5 Loaves Eatery, located at 405 E 75th St, Chicago IL 60619, just reported that their electrical box has been stolen (along with Harold's Chicken), and business

Here's what they posted on Facebook:

Attention 5 Loaves family, we are sorry to inform you that our electrical housing was stolen overnight. This is the second time this has happened.


I pity these neighborhood terrorist that perform crimes on people and businesses, that are trying to make a living and provide for their families, by taking instead of working for what they want.


We are asking for your prayers for not only our business; but also Harolds that is next door to us.


It took over two and a half months ,last time this happened to reopen. We are praying that God allows us to come back stronger and better.


God bless

We wish them the best, and will keep you informed on how to help. Their website is http://www.5loaveschicago.com/ and their phone number is 773.891.2889

we will keep you updated on any progress.

On a personal note (from JP): I am sorry I haven't had the opportunity to visit yet. I do not want to see any further businesses close, especially nice sit-down restaurants.  we need these businesses to thrive if we want to see a positive tunraround.

5 Loaves featured on Vocalo blog

5 Loaves Eatery featured on Chicago Public Radio's Vocalo blog

Molly Adams & Brian Babylon had lunch at 5 Loaves Eatery in Chatham. We reviewed the food and interviewed owner Robert Kincaid about the differences in price for a South and North Side brunch and establishing a neighborhood joint. We also unsuccessfully tried to get his fried chicken secrets, but he did give us a few tips.

Check it out & post your comments.