LAKEVIEW — The first cut is the deepest, and in this case, it's also the spritziest.
Spritz Burger, 3819 N. Broadway, will close March 13 to make way for a mixed-use development that will replace the strip of businesses along 3817-45 N. Broadway south of Sheridan Road.
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Spritz Burger will not relocate, as its general manager hoped it would back in November. Ownership group The Hearty Boys were initially looking for a nearby spot in Lakeview, but never had plans to reopen in the same location once the new development is complete.
Friends; you may have read that our lease is up & the building is set for demo. Hearty Boys Catering kitchen is moving...
Posted by Spritz Burger on Thursday, February 11, 2016
Instead, The Hearty Boys will relocate its catering business west of Lakeview on Grand Avenue, it said on Twitter.
"We've known it was coming for a long time. It'll be weird not to be in the 'hood," the post said.
So this is happening. Building set for demo. Lost our lease. @SpritzBurger pic.twitter.com/wFY7ThYPJd
— The Hearty Boys (@heartyboys) February 16, 2016
The only tenant that will stick around is Starbucks, developer Dave Gassman said in November. The coffee chain will temporarily move into the storefront next-door to its current corner space during renovations, but will return to claim its spot once it's finished.
Spritz isn't the only business to shutter; Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co., 735 W. Sheridan Road, will shut down for good after its 30th season ends with "American Buffalo," a David Mamet production running through March 6.
Strawdog Theatre Company, 3829 N. Broadway, is working on plans to build a new theater in Evanston, moving itself out of the city.
Spritz Burger opened in 2014 after co-owners Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith closed the upscale Hearty in favor of the casual, quirky burger joint. Known for its signature squirrel mascot, seltzer cocktails and burgers, Spritz also offered weekly specials like bottomless sangria and a collaborative, rotating burger menu.
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