Giordano’s, the popular Chicago-based pizza chain, has closed its Champaign location.
Located at Market Place Shopping Center, Giordano’s had paper placed over its locked doors on Tuesday afternoon.
Chambanamoms broke the news in August 2016 that Giordano’s was making plans to come to Champaign. On Dec. 27 of that year, Giordano’s opened its doors. But the restaurant never seemed to hit its stride, unable to attract large lunchtime or dinner crowds, even during peak hours.
The closing is the latest blow to that space at the mall. In the last decade, many restaurants have tried, and failed, to make a go of it in the location, which is adjacent to the mall’s food court. Prior to Giordano’s moving in, the space was home to Buca di Beppo, a chain specializing in Italian food that has found much success in larger cities like Indianapolis. Buca di Beppo closed in January 2016 after a four-year run. Buca had replaced another Italian restaurant.
