The neon “Open 24 Hrs.” sign at Burger King, 1740 Orrington Ave., was unlit Wednesday afternoon as a steady stream of potential customers stopped by to read a two-sentence note.
“It’s closed!” griped one passer-by.
Two students walked past just 30 seconds later.
“So is Burger King dead or what?” one said.
The restaurant will remain closed for about three more weeks, said Elizabeth Berez, manager of the Burger King at 1829 Dempster Street.
The fast-food restaurant known for its long hours and wireless Internet service closed Dec. 19 for remodeling, Berez said.
The manager of the Orrington location, Jay Darshane, could not be reached because he is on vacation, she said.
Evanston has only three 24-hour restaurants, and Burger King is the only one within walking distance of campus. The other two are International House of Pancakes, 100 Asbury Ave., and Steak ‘n Shake, 2209 Oakton St.
Other restaurants have applied for permits to operate during late nights, like Gold Coast Dogs, but some members of the Evanston City Council have expressed concerns because of traffic and security issues.
In 2004 Gold Coast Dogs withdrew its application to open a restaurant at 1168 Dodge Ave. after the City Council decided not to allow the restaurant to be open 24 hours.
Jon Mindrum, a Weinberg freshman, found out about the closing from a friend at Willard Residential College last night.
“I don’t know where I’m going to get my late night fix any more,” he said.
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