CHICAGO (CBS) -- An era is coming to an end in River North, as the Chicago outpost of the Hard Rock Café is soon to close after 39 years in business.

After nearly 40 years downtown, one of Chicago’s longtime tourist destinations, Hard Rock Cafe, is closing permanently in March, marking the end of an era for one of the chain’s oldest locations.

Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe in River North is closing permanently on March 29. Why it matters: Hard Rock Cafe was once considered the pinnacle of cool and opened in Chicago in 1986, helping to make River North a hot spot for nightlife in the city.

A grand opening party was held for the Hard Rock Cafe at 63 W. Ontario St. in 1986, as that area of River North was transformed from little more than a row of gas stations to an entertainment district.