NORTH CENTER — With "full hearts," owners Gilbert Langlois and Elizabeth Laidlaw announced the closing of Homegrown Cafe, which shut its doors for good on Sunday.
It's been less than a year since Homegrown, 4343 N. Lincoln Ave., replaced the pair's original restaurant, Chalkboard, at the same address. The cafe represented a shift from Chalkboard's white-linen tablecloth service, intended as a more casual spot open only for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
In July 2013, Langlois told DNAinfo Chicago the change was prompted by a desire to spend more time with his young son.
In closing Homegrown, Langlois and Laidlaw posted on the restaurant's Facebook page: "The time has come ... to pursue new ventures and opportunities."
A self-taught chef, Langlois served stints at Technicolor Kitchen, Rushmore and Sushi Samba Rio before opening Chalkboard in 2006. He was one of the original participants in Baconfest Chicago.
Laidlaw is an actress and is the artistic director and founder of Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre.
Fans of Langlois' food were encouraged to continue watching Homegrown's Facebook page for updates on his next endeavor.
