Q BBQ and Urban Sole: Clearing the Smoky Air

A long-simmering disagreement between two downtown La Grange businesses is suddently getting a lot of attention from the Chicagoland media. The story of the smoky tension between the two businesses and their landlord has been picked up by the Doings, republished in the Chicago Sun-Times, and featured on CBS and WBBM Newsradio.

Honor Lorenzini and Mary Kral, who own recently announced they would be closing their doors after having made it through the worst part of the recession. The reason, they say, is a problem with their next-door neighbor—.

The owners of Urban Sole told the Doings that attempts to clear the air with building landlord John Rot and Q owner Michael LaPidus have not gone well, and the Village of La Grange has been unable to help, telling the owners this is a landlord/tenant issue.

Yesterday, WBBM Newsradio's Bob Roberts picked up the story for CBS. LaPidus, the owner of Q, told WBBM that they have gone to great lengths to be a good neighbor to Urban Sole, including raising smoke stacks and installing an expensive exhaust system.

The owners of Urban Sole say that hasn't helped, telling WBBM that out of 30 customers a day, 20 would comment on the smoky smell. The owners said the smell attached itself to the clothes and shoes for sale, and that some customers even came back to return items because of it.

LaPidus told the Doings he's tried to be a good neighbor and that he believes the Urban Sole owners are looking for someone to blame.

Urban Sole closed down a second location in Hinsdale in 2008, but now the owners say they wish they had moved out of La Grange instead.

Owner Mary Kral said today that customers have been incredibly supportive as they clear out their stock.

"There's not much left," Kral said. "Sales have been phenomenal, although bittersweet."

Urban Sole is discounting everything in the store at 50 percent while they remain open.

Kral said they have been surprised by the way the story has resonated with the local media.

"We were surprised with how it's taken off," Kral said. "[Customers] are really upset about the [store's closing]. We have a really strong customer base who we're very thankful for."

Editor's Note: Michael LaPidus could not immediately be reached for comment on this story. Check back for updates.