LOGAN SQUARE — An Armitage Avenue restaurant has been cited after allegedly holding a late-night event without a proper license — an event whose aftermath was videotaped by a neighbor.
A cease and desist order was issued to Katakana sushi restaurant, 2829 W. Armitage Ave., on Monday after the restaurant hosted a weekend after-hours event without a Public Place of Amusement license, a violation of city code, Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) said.
“14th District PD is aware of the situation," Moreno said after complaints about the incident surfaced on Everyblock. "Troubled Buildings will be performing an investigation and a cease and desist has been issued."
Neighbor Abby Clough said she took video of patrons from the restaurant arguing in the street over the weekend. She said the incident, which involved more than a dozen people, was the third “police-worthy” incident outside the restaurant in recent months.
Video of the scuffle, which Clough shot from her home, shows people shouting and shoving each other on Mozart Avenue, which is near the restaurant, and shows police arriving on the scene.
“I just called the police (for the second time in a month) after a group of 20-30 men were punching and screaming on the street outside Katakana (turned late night club) at 2:00 a.m.,” Clough posted on Everyblock on Saturday. “This is a kid friendly hood with families. Sorry Katakana, we are now at war.”
Police confirmed the incident over the weekend but said "peace was restored" shortly after the scuffle took place.
Clough said the block was relatively quiet for the first six years she lived near Katakana, but the last six months have been different.
“I think these recent incidents are exclusive to Katakana. And I think there is a lot of alcohol to blame,” Clough told DNAinfo Chicago, noting that Katakana has only recently started to operate into the late night hours. “There are a ton of kids and families on our block — soon to be more — and I want to make it as peaceful and safe as we can.
A representative from Katakana could not immediately be reached for comment. A sign on the restaurant’s door said the restaurant is open four days a week at 5 p.m. The signs says the restaurant closes at midnight on weekends.
According to Moreno's police liaison, Rocia Valera, the issue will be sent to the city's Troubled Building division, which is set up to "compel landlords to maintain safe and drug-free environments for City residents."
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