Logan Square has been hit with a blow as Big Kids, the beloved sandwich shop and bar known for its '90s nostalgia and bold flavors, is set to shutter next month after about three years in the game. The establishment, a collaboration between former Blackbird executive chef Ryan Pfeiffer and Mason Hereford of New Orleans' Turkey & the Wolf, has announced its upcoming closure on February 4. In a high-spirited, caps-lock-infused Instagram post, the Big Kids team extended a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to their patrons, saying "IT HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE PARTYING WITH YALL," as reported by Block Club Chicago.
The closure might come as a surprise to those who've followed the rise of Big Kids since it opened in October 2020. Rising from the ashes of the pandemic, the shop originally launched as a carry-out venue and gradually expanded to fully embrace dine-in customers. Known for remixing fast food favorites and serving up sandwiches without an ounce of snobbery, Big Kids also managed to quickly outshine its predecessor, the short-lived Young Americans. Despite bringing a "little fun" to the neighborhood, Pfeiffer disclosed to Eater that the restaurant "weren't busy enough during the winter months to keep the doors open." A reality many establishments face, independent restaurant survival often hinges on consistent traffic, something that has dwindled for Big Kids.
Previous coverage highlighted the sandwich shop's eclectic vibe, with its menu resembling a high school notebook, complete with the iconic ‘90s "S" symbol. Not just a local favorite, they also participated actively in community efforts. Penny Gibbons of the Logan Square-based nonprofit Trash People lamented the loss, noting that "Big Kids has been much loved by locals since it opened," and hailed them as "enthusiastic supporters of community efforts and social causes," per Block Club Chicago.
While fans can still grab their favorite treats until early February, the closure signals not just the end of an eatery but a slice of neighborhood culture. Pfeiffer himself seems to have already quickly pivoted to family life and is ensuring his workers have a solid workplace to go to next. As for the future of the 2545 N. Kedzie Avenue space, no hints have been dropped about what will take Big Kids' place.
