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Chef Kate Williams permanently closed her restaurant Lady of the House after four years in the Corktown neighborhood. The critically acclaimed restaurant and Williams were named a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2018 and Best Chef: Great Lakes a year later by the James Beard Foundation. Lady of the House was also listed among GQ’s Best New Restaurants in 2018.
Both the Facebook and Instagram pages for the restaurant have been taken down and a statement provided to Eater confirms the closure.
“While we are immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past four years, it is with heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. We thank you, our LOTH family, for your continued support,” the statement reads. “Whether you are (or have been) a member of the incredible team that worked so hard to build a space we could ALL be proud of, or you’re someone who dined and drank with us, know that you played a critical role in making this house special. In 2021, we’re embracing change, however uncomfortable, and we look forward to new and exciting things to come in the city we love.”
The building housing Lady of the House was listed for sale last February, raising questions about the future of the restaurant even then. It appeared the restaurant would be spared due to its “long lease with extension options” at the property. Then the pandemic hit a month later.
“The pandemic has been ravaging small businesses for a year now and I think if this has shown us anything it’s that nothing is for certain,” Williams tells Eater, who calls the closure “heartbreaking.” However, the chef says she and the core team behind Lady of the House are working on some new projects and remain “committed” to Corktown — a neighborhood that means so much to Williams and her family.
Opened in 2017 as an ode to Irish hospitality, Williams can trace her roots back on both sides of her family to the Corktown neighborhood. Her great grandparents were Irish immigrants who met at the nearby Gaelic League on Michigan Avenue and her grandfather grew up nearby on Vermont Street.
For now, people can catch Williams popping up (with shrimp butter) every Wednesday evening at Batch Brewing Company. A dinner series launches in March at the Siren Hotel at her other restaurant, Karl’s. Tickets go on sale the week of March 1.
“I am beyond grateful for the incredible team that made a dream of mine come true and made Lady of the House what it was for the last three years,” Williams says. “We were (and are) a family. That crew was absolutely incredible and that time together holds such a special place in my heart. (Nab ‘em quickly, employers! They perform miracles!)”
Update, February 26, 11:50 a.m.: This story has been updated with additional details and comment from chef Kate Williams.
