LINCOLN PARK — The Lincoln Park location of Vapiano on Clark Street closed abruptly this week.
The fast casual restaurant at 2577 N. Clark Street opened in late 2011 and closed Monday.
Before Vapiano, which focuses on Italian food, moved into the Clark Street location, the space was occupied by a Blockbuster video.
The restaurant released a statement Thursday stating that it is going to be expanding in Chicago and looking at locations Downtown.
"As we expand in Chicago, we’ll be looking at locations in the downtown area that are similarly high-traffic and high-volume and also that can accommodate the new design aesthetic and help us create the best experience and the most delicious food for our guests," said Phil Sermon, CEO of Vapiano's U.S. operations in the statement.
Much of the staff moved to the Vapiano location in the Loop at 44 S. Wabash.
The restaurant chain opened the Loop location in August in the former Carson Pirie Scott building.
"We chose Vapiano's Chicago Loop location to be not only the crown jewel in our North American operations but also the model for all our new locations opening worldwide," said Sermon.
The former Clark Street location's windows were boarded up this week after the restaurant shut down.
