February 01, 2014, 21:58
KallehPop-up Restaurant
Have any of you ever heard of a "pop-up restaurant?" We had dinner tonight at a lovely restaurant in Evanston, and they said they were starting a pop-up restaurant in Chicago. Apparently it is a restaurant in a temporary space to see if it will make it. It's new to me.
February 01, 2014, 22:24
BobHaleIt's the same concept as a "pop-up shop" - a hastily (though not necessarily badly) assembled business that is in a temporary space and will last for just as long as the space is available.
February 01, 2014, 22:24
arnieYes, they're quite common in London. As well as restaurants other retail outlets such a fashion stores and art galleries will 'pop-up'.
February 02, 2014, 20:34
KallehI am wondering if the term came from England (or Europe) then because many here in the U.S. had not heard the term when I asked about it - young and old. Geoff, Proof, Bethree - have you heard the term?
February 02, 2014, 22:10
arnieThe phrase isn't that old, perhaps five years. There have been similar shop openings in the past, with shops taking on short leases; however, they just haven't been named in that way.
February 03, 2014, 20:11
bethree5Haven't heard the term before, though we've often had such stores in town, usually thrift shops, without calling them anything in particular. I would think a pop-up restaurant would be difficult to do unless the kitchen equipment actually belonged to the owner. And you'd still have to get health inspection et al.
February 03, 2014, 20:29
KallehAccording to the restaurant owner we talked to, it is done all the time, Bethree, though I had some of the same concerns you did. They said it runs for about 2 weeks, only taking reservations.