A modern Filipino restaurant is closing less than two years after opening in the River North Art District, citing a lack of traffic due to construction in the neighborhood.
Magna Kainan, a concept founded by celebrated Portland restaurateur Carlo Lamagna and led by chef Jodee Reyes, launched under the umbrella of Culinary Creative Group at the end of 2024. At the time, it was the restaurant group’s latest and greatest full-service restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Novel RiNo residential tower, 1350 40th St. CCG also runs Fox and the Hen, Bar Dough, Mr. Oso, A5 Steakhouse and other concepts.
“This was neither a concept issue, nor an execution issue — Chef Jodee Reyes and the entire Magna team delivered an exceptional dining experience that earned the admiration of guests, media, and industry peers alike,” the company wrote in a statement this week.
“Ultimately, the challenge was timing,” it continued. “While the surrounding area is poised to become one of RiNo’s most vibrant entertainment districts, the ongoing construction and infrastructure challenges in the neighborhood today created significant barriers for guests, limiting the consistency of traffic needed to sustain the restaurant.”
Culinary Creative will look to transfer Magna Kainan employees to other concepts, according to the statement. For now there is no set closing date.
The announcement came on the back of a major leadership change at Culinary Creative Group. Richard Flaherty took over as CEO of the company from co-founder Juan Padro earlier this year. Flaherty had previously been CEO of the food-and-games franchise Punch Bowl Social.
Sorry Gorgeous, a cocktail bar that CCG opened in conjunction with Magna Kainan on the rooftop of the Novel RiNo, remains open. The company plans to turn Magna Kainan’s restaurant space into a “culinary incubator” for budding chefs.
