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Juno Sushi Rises From Ashes After Fire With 'Bold' Changes

By Paul Biasco | September 17, 2014 8:04am
 Juno is set to reopen Wednesday, eight months after a fire closed the restaurant.
Juno is set to reopen Wednesday, eight months after a fire closed the restaurant.
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LINCOLN PARK — Juno Sushi was riding a wave of critical acclaim and the place was packed on a nightly basis when a fire broke out in an apartment above the restaurant in January.

The sushi spot, described as one of the best new restaurants of 2013, is set to reopen Wednesday with a revamped menu, look and new chef.

"We were kind of concerned at first whether or not we got taken out mid-race," said co-owner Jason Chan. "We were building steam. We had just built huge momentum and then we had to close for eight months."

Chan said everything about the refurbished Juno will be new.

Master sushi chef B.K. Park, formerly of Arami, will continue to prepare the sushi, while Sam McDermott will be creating the "hot" dishes at Juno.

McDermott previously worked at Elizabeth and most recently ran Buttermilk Bento & Social, an underground dinner club and bento box delivery service.

"He's one of the best Japanese chefs in the country," Chan said. "I know it's a bold statement."

The layout of the restaurant, 2638 N. Lincoln Ave., will remain the same, but the front area will now be strictly a bar serving drinks with a separate food menu.

Chan said he and Park were concerned about whether the restaurant would remain relevant following the fire, considering it was closed for longer than it was ever open.

The main issue that caused the longer-than-expected delay was installing new plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning in the building, according to Chan.

The restaurant itself only suffered minor damage during the second-floor fire. 

Chan said he has received an outpouring of support from customers and fans over the past eight months that has kept his mood up and hopes for the future positive.

"Tomorrow's a big day," he said Tuesday night. "What more can I say."

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