Summary (tl;dr)

The Capital Grille is permanently closing its location at the Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, Illinois, on May 31, 2026, a decision the parent company, Darden Restaurants, described as difficult but not a reflection of staff performance.

Essential Background

The Capital Grille is a national fine dining chain known for its dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and extensive wine selection. This particular location in Skokie, Illinois, had been operating for three years, having opened in March 2023 in a 9,000-square-foot space that previously housed McCormick & Schmick's.

The Full Story

The Capital Grille at Westfield Old Orchard Mall will cease operations on May 31, 2026. Darden Restaurants, the parent company, stated that the closure was a "difficult business decision" made after careful consideration. While the company's total sales increased by 5.9 percent to $3.3 billion in its fiscal third quarter, rising operational costs, changing consumer habits, and declining foot traffic are generally cited as major factors leading to restaurant closures. Darden Restaurants has affirmed there are no current plans to close other Capital Grille locations in the Chicago area, which include outposts in Lombard, Rosemont, Schaumburg, and Streeterville. The company is assisting affected team members in finding new jobs.

Why It Matters

The closure of a prominent fine-dining establishment like The Capital Grille can impact local employment and the overall dining landscape of the north suburban Chicago area. It also reflects broader trends in the restaurant industry, where even successful parent companies like Darden Restaurants are making strategic adjustments to their portfolio, sometimes due to factors like increased operating costs or shifts in consumer behavior. For regular patrons, it means the loss of a familiar upscale dining option in the area, though other Illinois locations remain open.

Geographic Location

• Westfield Old Orchard Mall, Skokie, Cook County, Illinois, United States (The Capital Grille closure)