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Logan's Award-Winning Jam Likely To Move Over Rent Dispute, Owner Says

By Mina Bloom | August 23, 2017 2:21pm
 Owner Anthony Fiore alleges the landlord is trying to charge him significantly more for rent. The landlord recently put up a
Owner Anthony Fiore alleges the landlord is trying to charge him significantly more for rent. The landlord recently put up a "Restaurant For Lease" sign in the window.
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DNAinfo/Mina Bloom

LOGAN SQUARE — Jam's days on Logan Boulevard are likely numbered.

There's a "90 percent chance" the breakfast favorite will be leaving its current home at 3057 W. Logan Blvd. once the restaurant's five-year lease is up in October due to a dispute with the building's landlord, according to owner Anthony Fiore.

Fiore alleges landlord Jerry Suqi, who is also a former Jam partner, is trying to charge him significantly more for rent. Fiore said he currently pays a little more than $30 per square foot and Suqi wants to charge him $55 per square foot under a new lease.

Suqi and his brother, Joe, recently put up a "Restaurant For Lease" sign in the window above the restaurant. Suqi lives in the building.

"It's just unfortunate when we're in such a good place. We're paying our rent ahead of time. We're never been late on a rent check," Fiore said.

Fiore said Suqi is "testing the market to see if anyone's willing to pay more," which he called both a "negotiating ploy" and a "nuisance."

"Every landlord in the area thinks they can get more instead of really going and talking to tenants and understanding the market," he said.

Suqi couldn't immediately be reached for comment. His brother Joe, who Fiore described as a family spokesman, wouldn't comment on the allegations except to say they're "inaccurate."

"What he's telling you is not true and inaccurate," Suqi's brother said. "I'm not going to engage in this kind of activity."

Fiore said there's "bad blood" between him and Suqi, but declined to go into specifics.

"We had a great relationship, but it went south really quickly," Fiore said.

Suqi severed ties with Jam about four years ago during Jam's first year in Logan Square. Before that, Jam called Wicker Park home.

Jam serves contemporary American breakfast, including what has become neighborhood-famous French toast, as well as lunch. The restaurant, which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Logan Square's bar and restaurant corridor, has seen success over the years. Chef Jeff Mauro and the rest of the team earned five consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards from 2013 to 2017.

Fiore stressed that Jam is not — and will not — be closing no matter what happens with the Logan Boulevard lease. If an agreement with Suqi cannot be reached, Jam will simply relocate.

Fiore said he's in serious talks with landlords at three other spaces both in Logan Square, including one on booming Milwaukee Avenue, and in Avondale.

"We want to keep Jam a happy place, and we want to get rid of the negative energy and open up in a building where the landlord wants us," Fiore said.

Fiore said he and his team will release more details when they become available.