Et tu, Rock & Roll McDonald’s?
This year has been a brutal one for restaurant closings in Chicago. From Lincoln Square’s beloved Brauhaus to the delicious genius of Ruxbin, we’ve lost too many stellar bars and eateries all across town in 2017. According to a Chicago Tribune report, River North’s (inexplicably) rock-themed Mickey D’s will close on December 30 for remodeling. In doing so, it’s ditching the rock & roll theme. RIP to this iconic Chicago institution.
While the Rock & Roll McDonald’s doesn’t necessarily have—how shall we put this?—the culinary prowess of other recently shuttered spots, it has held a very special place in Chicagoans’ hearts since its 1983 opening. The fast food joint, located at the corner of Clark and Ontario, re-opened in its current form in 2005 for the parent group’s 50-year anniversary. It features a collection of 20th-century music memorabilia, spanning the chain’s history. Apparently Elton John was at the restaurant’s 2005 opening, which is insane and wonderful.
According to the Trib's report, the restaurant will have a “new, unique theme,” though McDonald’s spokeswoman Anne Christiansen couldn’t share details on that quite yet. But the obvious next move is to open a hip-hop McDonald’s in its place. We’re envisioning a gigantic Kanye sculpture in the drive-through, an encased collection of Chance the Rapper “3” hats in every iteration and Chief Keef blaring over the speakers 24/7. We’d be lovin’ it.