"Two years after taking over the former chain's last Chicago location, 218 S. Clark St., restaurateur Dame Dia announced via Instagram Friday he is closing the location permanently. It's last day in service was Nov. 28. The Senegalese native was one of three Native Foods employees who in 2024 accepted an offer to assume ownership of the Clark Street outpost, which had been in operation for over a decade."
"Dia wrote that the closure of nearby businesses and the "work from home" shift negatively impacted sales and foot traffic, making it "impossible" for him to continue. "When we became employee-owned in November 2023, we stepped into that chapter with pride. We showed up for both the vegan and non-vegan communities, hosted events, and celebrated milestones that truly mattered. We're grateful for every customer who supported us, every event you shared with us, and every moment you helped build in this space," Dia wrote."
Native Foods' last Chicago location at 218 S. Clark St. permanently closed after its final day of service on Nov. 28. Restaurateur Dame Dia announced the closure and attributed it to reduced foot traffic and declining sales caused by nearby business closures and a shift to work-from-home. Dia was one of three employees who accepted ownership of the Clark Street outpost in 2024 after corporate offices began shutting down. He had worked for the company for several years and started as a district manager. Native Foods still operates locations in Glendale, Colorado, and Palm Springs, California.
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