Guzman y Gomez abruptly shuts Naperville restaurant, 7 others
Chicago Tribune • • business
Key Points:
- Australian restaurant chain Guzman y Gomez has closed its Naperville store along with seven other Chicago-area locations, ending its attempt to expand in the U.S. market.
- The chain entered the U.S. in 2020 but faced poor sales, leading to the decision to cease operations and cancel plans for new stores in the Chicago area.
- Co-CEO Steven Marks cited difficulties with suburban drive-thru locations and the Chicago market as key challenges that hindered brand growth in the U.S.
- Guzman y Gomez remains successful in Australia and East Asia, operating several hundred restaurants and planning to open 32 more in Australia this fiscal year.
- The company initially chose Naperville for its first U.S. location due to the community's reputation, but despite efforts to save the business, the expansion was not financially viable.