Catch 35, a seafood restaurant cornerstone for Chicago’s advertising professionals and downtown diners, will close its doors on October 19, 2024. Located on the ground floor of the Leo Burnett Building at Wacker and Dearborn, just south of the Chicago River, the restaurant has been a staple of the city’s Loop since its opening in March 1990. Its companion breakfast and lunch spot, Catch and Carry, will also cease operations.
For more than 27 years, Catch 35 served a varied clientele, from expense account holders to tourists and, most notably, employees from Leo Burnett and other advertising agencies in the area. With its live jazz music, fresh seafood menu, outstanding drinks and welcoming ambiance, it was not only a dining destination but also a social hub for the city’s ad industry.
The decision to close comes as owner Sam Berngard cites the restaurant’s struggle to recover from the pandemic shutdowns and the shift toward remote work. Like many establishments in downtown Chicago, the reduced foot traffic from office workers and a change in dining habits had a significant impact on Catch 35’s ability to bounce back.
Though the Chicago location is closing, Catch 35’s sister restaurant in Naperville remains open and is actively hiring staff, offering some consolation to loyal patrons who wish to continue enjoying their seafood favorites.
The closure reflects the changing landscape for many businesses impacted by the shift to remote work and the challenges faced by restaurants in the aftermath of the pandemic. As the ad community and the Loop adjust to the absence of this iconic meeting place, Catch 35’s legacy of hospitality, culture, and connection will leave an enduring imprint on Chicago’s downtown dining history.
Catch 35’s closure marks the end of an era for Chicago’s Loop and the city’s ad community. Since its opening, the restaurant has been a go-to for casual lunches, after-work drinks, and celebrations for the professionals who have filled its seats over the decades. The restaurant’s mix of fine dining, jazz, and welcoming hospitality will be fondly remembered as part of the city’s rich culture and social scene.
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