More changes near the Berwyn El stop

A few weeks ago I wrote about the Berwyn stop area losing a couple businesses. It looks like I might have a couple more to report. I hope this isn't the start of a trend. Saturday I went over to AJ's Grill (on the 5300 N. Block of Broadway) for a nice, cholesterol-laden lunch, but they were closed. I ended up taking out from Subway two doors away (a healthier choice, anyway), and as I was leaving, I saw several other disappointed AJ's patrons tugging on their door. There was no sign outside the eatery explaining the closure, so I can't say whether this is temporary, or if they've lost their lease. [7 MAY 2007] Update: I went back on April 28, and they were open for business.

South of Foster, the Brown's Chicken (formerly Chicken Delights, formerly Burger Delights, formerly Burger King) on the 5130 N. block of Broadway that had opened last year is gone. The building is designed for fast food, complete with a drive through, but it seems that no one is able to make it work at that location. I wouldn't miss it all that much if they tear it down. The drive through just encourages people to stay in their cars where, for instance, they'll never have a chance to browse the baked goods at Chiu Quon Bakery on nearby Argyle Street. Regardless of what happens to the Brown's property, its vacancy contributes to a dead zone on Broadway that starts near the Aon building on the 5030 N. block and extends north to the middle of the 5200 N. block.

On a brighter note, the former taqueria at 5424 N. Broadway has a new awning up. It looks like a French bistro is moving in. (Fans of a good taqueria can still get their fix at El Norte just a block and a half north.)