WRIGLEYVILLE — Chick-fil-A is opening in the Clark Street space long targeted for a Culver’s — and the Wisconsin-based burger franchise is shifting gears to open around the corner.
Culver’s franchise owner Baron Waller said Tuesday he plans to open the restaurant, known for its butter burgers and custard, by spring at 1111 W. Addison St.
The four-story building Culver’s plans to move into is across the street from Wrigley Field and replaced an infamous Taco Bell. The $36 million development includes a Chase Bank branch, a climbing gym and a new Taco Bell, according to Crain’s.
“We’re very excited about opening in the Wrigleyville area,” Waller said. “I grew up a Cubs fan and went to Lane Tech High School, so it’s very exciting to be right next to Wrigley Field and down the street from the high school, as well.”
Culver’s has been plotting an expansion to Wrigleyville since 2014, but plans to open a franchise at 3500 N. Clark St. fell through in January 2021 when Culver’s pulled out of a proposal to open in the first floor of a 47-foot mixed-use building at that location.
Instead, a Chick-fil-A is expected to open in the ground floor of the Clark Street building, according to a “coming soon” sign posted outside the site’s lot.
Representatives from Chick-fil-A did not immediately return a request for comment.
Waller owns six Chicago-area locations, including a Culver’s in Ravenswood that opened last year, and is the restaurant’s largest minority franchise owner.
“Between the Ravenswood Culver’s and the soon-to-be Wrigleyville one, we’re very excited to be coming to the North Side,” Waller said. “We’re working with the city right now, getting permits for our Wrigley restaurant.”
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