First the Days Inn at the corner of Clark, Lincoln and Wells in Old Town changed its name to the Gold Coast hotel (that was about six months ago). Then Louie on the Park, the casual bar with food, closed its doors for good (that was about two months ago). And then Old Town Sundries, a gouging-but-convenient convenience store closed down (about a month ago), and there is no sign of what will replace the two street-level business, both of which have direct access to the hotel lobby.
Louie on the Park, of the Bar Louie chain, seemed to be always busy. And if the Old Town Sundries sold two items in a given day–any two items in the store–they surely must have made enough to cover their lease, and pay their workers. So I doubt that either business went “out of business.”
I will keep an eye on things, and let you know what develops. Or if anyone knows, by all means, shout it out.