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Published on December 06, 2023
Wicker Park's The Perch Kitchen and Tap Set to Reopen After Fire, Pledges Beer Sale Proceeds to Chicago FirefightersSource: Google Street View

Wicker Park's hotspot for brews and bites, The Perch Kitchen and Tap, is slated to swing its doors open again after a fire forced the popular establishment to hit pause on pouring pints and plating wood-fired grub. The blaze, which occurred on November 26 during a bustling dinner hour, was contained without injury thanks to the quick actions of both staff and the Chicago Fire Department. The restaurant, a fixture in the neighborhood since its opening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, announced a comeback with the resumption of service starting 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 6.

In a statement obtained by Eater Chicago, The Perch, operated by 4 Star Restaurant Group, heaped praise on its team and manager Sean Cusick's leadership for swiftly and safely evacuating patrons and employees. "Our team at the Perch did a great job taking all steps to escort every guest and team member out of the building safely, in a timely manner," the statement proclaimed. The establishment also expressed gratitude towards the local fire brigade, touting their speedy response as the savior from what could have been extensive damage. The restaurant, which has carved out a reputation for its wood-fired selections and in-house-brewed beer, will be donating proceeds from its beer sales to the fire stations that played a pivotal role in controlling the fire.

According to a report by WBBM Newsradio, the scare began when a rooftop mechanical unit caught fire. The quick-thinking manager and team members sprung into action, ensuring a safe evacuation amidst the dinner rush. At this time, details on the cause of the fire or comments from the Chicago Fire Department haven't been released to the public.

The Perch is nestled on West Division Street, near North Damen Avenue, and has become a go-to spot for locals, especially revered for its brunch offerings. Despite the setback, the eagerness to reboot operations was palpable in the restaurant's communications, with officials emphasizing their commitment to "serve our amazing community of guests."