Uncle Julio's in Lincoln Park Abruptly Closes After 30 Years, Former Employees File Legal Action

Chicago's iconic Mexican restaurant, Uncle Julio's, located in Lincoln Park, has shocked employees and customers alike by suddenly closing its doors after three decades of operation. The closure has left many employees without jobs, leading them to express their frustration and pursue legal action against the restaurant.

Employees of Uncle Julio's were blindsided by the news, as they were only informed of the closure during a mandatory meeting held on Wednesday morning. Former employees gathered outside the restaurant on Friday to voice their disappointment at the decision, highlighting the lack of notice they were given.

Natalie Dominguez, who had been a dedicated employee for ten years, expressed her surprise, stating, "I worked Tuesday night... I come in Wednesday morning and we're closed." Many employees, including Dominguez, were left questioning the fairness of the sudden closure.

In a statement released by Uncle Julio's, they thanked customers for their support over the past 30 years and clarified that all other locations are still operational. The closure of the Chicago restaurant was attributed to rising rental rates on their lease. The statement also claimed that all employees were offered positions at other Uncle Julio's locations, ensuring they could continue as valued members of the company.

However, some former employees contradicted this claim, stating that they were not offered positions at other locations. Ruby Buendia, a former manager at the restaurant, expressed her disappointment, saying, "I feel like that was unfair because I was working my butt off for them, and I just feel like they could've done this totally different."

Agustin Casas, another former employee, explained that they were provided with a bid sheet to express their location and schedule preferences but were not guaranteed full-time positions. Hiring decisions, according to Casas, would be made at the discretion of the company.

Transportation has also emerged as a significant hurdle for the displaced employees, with many of them lacking cars or the means to commute to other Uncle Julio's locations in the suburbs. Natalie Dominguez, a single mother, expressed her concerns, asking, "How am I going to get there?"

The situation at Uncle Julio's echoes a recent incident involving the closure of the Signature Room at the former John Hancock Center in September. In that case, a federal judge awarded former employees $1.5 million in back pay after determining that the employer failed to provide a 60-day notice of the shutdown.

With Uncle Julio's now closed, former employees have decided to hire a lawyer and pursue legal action against the restaurant. They argue that the lack of notice and the uncertain job prospects offered at other locations have left them in a precarious position, both financially and logistically.

As the former employees strive for justice, the closure of Uncle Julio's in Lincoln Park leaves a void in the neighborhood's culinary landscape, and loyal patrons will have to search for new dining options in the area.