What could possibly take over the former Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom in Okemos?

We're coming up on a year now since Old Chicago closed its doors for the last time. The last day for Old Chicago was Saturday, March 16th. Since then, it's sat completely unoccupied.

Lansing Area Restaurant That Closed in 2024

As we come up on that year, this is a time to look at that space and ask, what does Okemos need? What lies ahead for the former Old Chicago Space?

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While the greater Lansing area saw plenty of restaurant openings in 2024 (there were over 20 of them), there's still plenty of room for the foodie scene to grow.

What Kind of Restaurant Would You Like to See Come to Okemos?

Realistically, it's already equipped to be a restaurant, so you're off to a great start. But the question remains, what restaurant? If I've said it once, I'll say it again... Michigan needs a Waffle House.

However, I don't that would be the best spot for it, as I don't think the parking lot is quite big enough.

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Another great addition to the Lansing food scene would be The Cheesecake Factory.

There's one down in Novi and another in Grand Rapids, but I feel like Lansing is in a Cheesecake Factory drought. But we're back to the fact that the former Old Chicago is probably a bit small, in restaurant and parking lot, to accommodate the crowds that a Cheesecake Factory would bring in.

Read Related: 10 Restaurants and More That Lansing Lost in 2023

With that in mind... what do YOU think the former Old Chicago could be turned into?

12 Chain Restaurants So Good That We Need Them in Lansing

Don't get it twisted... Lansing's food scene is already pretty tasty! There's a great mix of local and national places serving up a variety of cuisines. But there's always room for more good food. Take a look at the chain restaurants that would make a delicious addition to Lansing.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

13 Lansing Restaurants That Locals Miss

Change is the one constant throughout life. So of course, Lansing has seen its fair share of restaurants close. However, there are some restaurants that some locals miss dearly. These are 13 restaurants that have closed through the years that Lansing locals miss.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

Non-Chain Lansing Restaurants That Are Open on Mondays

It wasn't so long ago that most restaurants were open seven days a week. Ever since COVID, a lot of places have taken to closing on Mondays - but not everyone. Here are 21 Lansing-area non-chain restaurants that are actually still open on Monday. (There are others that may not be included on this list.)

Gallery Credit: JR

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