LOGAN SQUARE — Metal Haven Grill, a combination restaurant and record shop that started as an "expertly curated" heavy-metal record shop in 1999, is closing, its owner announced this week.
"I know the location would have worked, its gentrifying this direction. In a few years this location will be booming, but again I don't have the money to last," owner Mark Weglarz wrote on Facebook.
The restaurant/record shop lasted less than a year at 3835 W. Fullerton Ave. Before that, Metal Haven was located in Ravenswood and was strictly a record shop, which the Reader described as a "destination for serious metalheads in and out of town." Weglarz closed the record shop in 2010 after 11 years in business. About six years later, he decided to reopen as a combination restaurant and record shop in the spring of 2016.
There were signs of trouble in the fall, when Weglarz launched a GoFundMe campaign to "save" Metal Haven Grill. The campaign raised $6,902 toward its $25,000 goal.
In his Facebook post, Weglarz said he doesn't regret reopening on Fullerton Avenue.
"Business had gotten a little better recently but now with the snow and cold weather, business is worse than ever. And with January and February right around the corner, well it makes no sense," he said.
"We put together something beautiful here, music store within a restaurant. Excellent food (just check out the Yelp reviews). Incredible artwork, rare records, etc. It was up to you guys whether it succeeded or not. And here we are."
The last day for Metal Haven Grill will likely be New Year's Eve, but it could be sooner, Weglarz said.
Until then, customers are encouraged to come in, buy some heavy-metal vinyl and say their goodbyes.
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