Socca, though not a place that’s in the news much, has a definite following for being one of the better places on a Wrigleyville/Boystown dining strip where loud and drunken is more common than good; Anthony Todd at Chicagoist called it “everyone’s favorite Wrigleyville date spot,” which may be true for some definitions of “everyone.” But there seems to have been a parting of the ways between chef Roger Herring and his partners that led to rumors that the restaurant was closing. Herring initially posted on Facebook that “I made the 86 board at Socca… it was time to go. Sign a lease or go! I didn’t sign.” That was taken by some to suggest that Socca was closing down due to rising rents, but then the remaining partners issued a statement that said Socca was staying but Herring was going— and was maybe just a little bit catty about it.
Here’s the statement, which was apparently sent to 312 Dining Diva:
“Socca’s current lease expires on June 30 (which may be extended), and we plan on serving the same great food that you have been enjoying for the past decade. We also plan on bringing back Socca favorites such as the monster meatball.
“The team at Socca wishes its chef and fearless leader, Roger Herring, the best in all of his future endeavors. Rest assured, the culinary team of Joel, Ricky and Pelone, who have been leading the charge in the kitchen for the past couple of years, will continue to create the dishes that our guests (have come to love).”
“Leading the charge in the kitchen for the past couple of years” sounds like something less than love lost. Anyway, Socca isn’t closing, but it is changing, that much we know.
