Last Call For BBQ: Barn & Company To Close In Lincoln Park

CHICAGO, IL — Barn & Company in Lincoln Park is closing Feb. 5 and will be replaced by the "urban-casual" bar and restaurant Faregrounds, the company 8 Hospitality announced. For seven years, Barn & Company at 950 W. Wrightwood Ave has served BBQ classics, including pulled pork, brisket and wings. Faregrounds is set to open March 15.

8 Hospitality – a Chicago-based hospitality group that owns and operates notable Chicago venues including the recently opened Liqrbox and staples like Joy District, Hubbard Inn, Broken English Taco Pub, Pearl Brasserie, and more – said the decision to close Barn & Company was a difficult one.

“After seven years of remarkable hospitality and an unwavering commitment to the Lincoln Park community, we have decided to breathe new life into the space with an exciting new concept that offers customers a fresh menu and ambiance that reflects the evolving needs of the neighborhood,” said Carmen Rossi, CEO of 8 Hospitality. “As we’re inspired by the overwhelming success of new foodie favorites Pearl Brasserie, Broken English and LiqrBox, and are conscious of the developing neighborhood and an increased interest for healthier fare options, we’re excited to double down in the area by introducing our latest effort, Faregrounds.”

Barn & Company won an array of acknowledgments under the twice published and award-winning pitmaster, Gary Wiviott, including being voted as one of the “10 Best Bars in Chicago by Chicago Sun-Times ,” featured in WGN’s “Chicago Best” as having “Chicago’s Best Wings,” and featured in Zagat’s “10 Chicago Sports Bars with Killer Food.” Barn & Company invites the community to celebrate its many years in the neighborhood by enjoying its last bites of BBQ, including Super Bowl weekend, before it closes its doors on Monday.

Its owners said Faregrounds will offer a diverse food menu including lighter fare, a variety of savory dishes and classic bar favorites, as well as a roster of draft beer and craft cocktails. Though the menu will shift focus away from heavy, meaty dishes, Barn and Company’s famous wings will remain a staple on the Faregrounds menu.

Faregrounds will operate under General Manager Michael O’Connor who hails from Cité Chicago, at Lake Point Towers. Renovations for the new concept will begin immediately on February 5 and continue through March 14, before opening to the public on Thursday, March 15, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day Festivities, 8 Hospitality said.

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