WICKER PARK — Big Star's... star went missing over the weekend, but not to worry — the sign has just been removed for "spring maintenance," the popular taqueria and whiskey bar's owner said.
The bright black, red and yellow star hangs outside the bar at 1531 N. Damen Ave. and is visible to anyone traveling north or south on Damen.
Peter Garfield, a managing partner of Big Star, said the sign will be re-installed on Tuesday or Wednesday. It came down Thursday.
As of Monday, yellow caution tape surrounded a portion of the outdoor patio where new concrete pavement was laid, ending work that started last Tuesday.
Garfield said the patio pavement was "beaten up" from the rough winter and that the outdoor area was undergoing spring maintenance.
When asked about the expansion plans for the restaurant, Garfield said things are "going slowly" and the goal is to not disrupt the restaurant — which is packed most days.
Big Star eventually plans to expand its patio seating and relocate its take-out window to a neighboring building at 1537 N. Damen Ave.
The building next door will serve as a commissary kitchen for Big Star and craft cocktail lounge The Violet Hour, located across the street at 1520 N. Damen Ave.
While the new commissary kitchen will not be open to the public, another restaurant located at 1543 N. Damen Ave. in the former Cippolina Cafe, will eventually offer Mexican food too, but be "slightly different in style [from Big Star]," Chef Paul Kahan told Chicago magazine.
