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Ed Debevic's Not Closing, But They Are Moving From River North Location

By John Dodge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Ed Debevic's is not closing, it is just moving.

JDL Development has bought the land where the popular, kitschy-themed restaurant is located in River North. The developer plans to build a residential building on the site.

When CBS 2 called the restaurant, a woman answered by phone by saying: "Ed Debevic's, where we don't take reservations, and no, we're not closing."

Fans will still be able to eat at Ed's for the time being, and the restaurant owners are looking for suitable new location, probably within a few blocks of where they are located now at 640 N. Wells.

"As our famous saying goes, 'Eat and Get Out.' I can confirm that it is likely Ed Debevic's will be leaving its current address at 640 N. Wells Street, at some time later in the year," says Jeff Himmel, for Debevics, LLC., which owns Ed Debevic's. "We're currently looking at locations closer to Michigan Avenue. We invite our fans to join us in our final days at the corner of Wells and Ontario."

Ed's opened in 1984, serving burgers, hot dogs, chili, fries and other diner fare.

The servers take pride in making snarky remarks to the customers, which is all part of the fun--along with choreographed dance numbers on the counter tops.

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