Dear Margaret, a celebrated French-Canadian restaurant in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, has permanently closed its doors following a significant fire. The establishment, known for its unique blend of French-Canadian cuisine with Midwestern influences, announced the closure of Dear Margaret on November 4, 2025, citing extensive damage from a fire that occurred on October 6 and the subsequent sale of the building by its owner.
Dear Margaret Restaurant: A Fire’s Devastating Impact
The fire, described by the Dear Margaret team as “localized,” caused substantial water and smoke damage, severely impacting the nearly 150-year-old building at 2965 N. Lincoln Ave. While no injuries were reported from the blaze itself, the extensive damage rendered the Dear Margaret restaurant inoperable. This unfortunate event occurred on October 6, leading to an immediate temporary closure. The building’s owner, a redeveloper, decided to sell the space, which is slated for demolition in 2026, making a return to the original Dear Margaret location impossible.
Community Rallies in Support of Dear Margaret
In the wake of the fire and subsequent closure, the Chicago community demonstrated remarkable support for Dear Margaret and its staff. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by a regular customer and founder of Three PR, Rachel Gillman Rischall, successfully raised nearly $30,000. These funds were instrumental in helping to cover staff payroll during the period of closure leading up to the permanent announcement for Dear Margaret. Chef Ryan Brosseau expressed deep gratitude for this outpouring of support, highlighting how fortunate Dear Margaret was to have such a dedicated community.
The Legacy of Dear Margaret Restaurant
Opened in January 2021 by Chef Ryan Brosseau and owner Lacey Irby, Dear Margaret quickly established itself as a notable fixture in Chicago’s vibrant food scene. Brosseau, who grew up in Ontario, Canada, infused the Dear Margaret menu with his French-Canadian heritage, reinterpreted through a lens of Midwestern ingredients and culinary philosophy. This distinctive approach garnered significant critical acclaim for Dear Margaret.
The restaurant received accolades from various prestigious publications and awards. Dear Margaret was recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand from 2022 to 2024. Dear Margaret was also listed among The New York Times’ “50 Best Restaurants in America” in 2022, and received nods from publications like StarChefs (where Chef Brosseau was named a Rising Star in 2021), Plate magazine (Chef to Watch in 2022), Time Out Chicago (five stars in 2022), Chicago magazine, and the Chicago Tribune. This is important Chicago restaurant news about the Dear Margaret restaurant.
Looking Towards the Future of Dear Margaret Chicago
Despite the permanent closure of their beloved Lakeview location, the Dear Margaret team remains optimistic about the future of the restaurant. Chef Ryan Brosseau has stated that they are actively searching for a new space in a different building with the intention of reopening Dear Margaret as soon as possible. The closure marks the end of an era for the popular Chicago restaurant, but the team’s determination suggests the unique culinary experience may soon grace the city once more. The loss of Dear Margaret is felt by many who appreciated its innovative approach to food and its warm, welcoming atmosphere, contributing to the ongoing narrative of Chicago’s dynamic restaurant news.
