The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show

The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show was the name of a popular Chicago restaurant during the 1970s.

The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show
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The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show is located in Chicago metropolitan area
The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show
Location within Chicago metropolitan area
Restaurant information
Established1974
Owner(s)Richard Melman
Dress codeCasual
Street address21 East Chestnut Street[1]
CityChicago
StateIllinois
Postal/ZIP Code60611
CountryUnited States
Coordinates41°53′54″N 87°37′38″W / 41.898285°N 87.627223°W / 41.898285; -87.627223
ReservationsNo
Other informationClosed 1983

It opened in 1974, under owner Richard Melman. The style was designed by Lettuce Entertain You. Institution magazine selected it as one of the top ten in design for 1975.[1] The restaurant featured a cheese bar and a dessert bar. The interior was painted completely grey.[2] Steve Stone, part owner, also worked there during the off season, as host, wine steward, waiter and bartender.[3]

However, by 1983, business had slowed. Melman changed the name to The Not So Great Gritzbe's in a bid to revitalize the restaurant. Business continued to drop off, and several months later, the restaurant closed.[4][5]

Currently, a condominium occupies the site.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b Kupcinet, Sue; Fish, Connie (Jan 1978). Chicago gourmet. Simon and Schuster. p. 135. ISBN 9780671228965. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  2. ^ "Footloose in the Windy City". The Des Plaines Herald. Arlington Heights, Illinois. 18 Jun 1977. p. 55 – via newspapers.com.
  3. ^ Ryman, Rich (29 Nov 1974). "Steve Stone: Restaurateur or Ballplayer?". Belvidere Daily Republican. Belvidere, Illinois. p. 2 – via newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Larson, Erik (1988-10-01). "The Man With the Golden Touch". Inc. p. 2. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  5. ^ Silverman, Ruth (15 Oct 1986). "Eat, Drink and be Melman". The Daily Herald. Chicago, Illinois. p. 2, sect. 2 – via newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "21 E Chestnut". Retrieved 23 May 2011.
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