Chicago's dining scene is set for a shake-up as the acclaimed modern Korean restaurant Parachute announces plans to temporarily close its doors after ten years. Owners Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, also spouses and chef duo, are seeking to refresh their culinary concept and explore expansion opportunities in Chicago's Downtown area.

A beloved fixture in the city's Avondale neighborhood, Parachute has earned accolades far beyond its local fanbase, including the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2019 and a Michelin star maintained from 2014 to 2021. Despite these successes, the restaurant at 3500 N. Elston Avenue is slated to serve its last meal under the current guise on Saturday, March 23, with reservation spots filling up until the hiatus begins, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

In a statement expressing gratitude to their community, Kim and Clark hinted at an evolution of the Parachute experience. "Our community and restaurant family made us great. At 10 years, we think there is an opportunity to serve both with fresh ideas after taking a pause," they said. Clark and Kim are no strangers to adaptation, having already pivoted to takeout and delivery during the pandemic—a bold move for a Michelin-starred establishment as per the Chicago Sun-Times.

There's a hopeful note for those dreading the loss of their favorite Korean dishes; the chefs plan on introducing "something new and exciting to the space under the Parachute umbrella in the not-so-distant future." Their second restaurant, Anelya, remains in operation just a few doors down, as per Eater Chicago.