3 Restaurants Near Elmhurst That Plan To Defy Governor

David Giuliani
Updated ·2 min read

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst Patch has been unable to identify any local restaurants that plan to defy the governor's ban on indoor dining starting Friday.

But at least three restaurants in nearby suburbs say they are planning to keep their doors open.

In a news conference earlier this week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said state police could cite restaurants that violate the order but would start by giving warnings and asking people to disperse, according to TV station WSIL.

He said the state could also take away business' liquor licenses, but he is reluctant to do so because of the long-term impact, according to the station.

Here are at least three restaurants in nearby suburbs that plan to continue indoor dining:

— La Hacienda de Los Fernandez, 1571 W. Lake St., and La Magdalena Wonderful Mexican Food, 321 N. Addison Road, both in Addison: These restaurants belong to the same company, as well as Besa Mi Taco in Itasca. In a Facebook post Wednesday, the restaurant chain said it was unhappy with the governor's order and would continue to keep its restaurants open.

"Our restaurants are our pride and joy filled with dedicated hard workers, many of whom refuse (to) file for unemployment again," the message said. "It is time to take a stand for our freedom and our rights."

The restaurant said it follows safety measures such as keeping tables 6 feet apart, with no more than 10 people per table. All customers and employees are required to wear masks, it said.

"We are doing everything every other business is doing who are not mandated to close," the restaurant said.

The business has been in operation for more than 45 years.

— Ki's Steak & Seafood Restaurant, 705 North Ave., Glendale Heights: The restaurant's marquee reads, "WE ARE AMERICANS — WE R FREE AND OPEN."

"We won't allow DICTATOR PRITZKER to abandon our friends once again! WE will stand up for our rights and freedom. Our family is proud of our decision, we respect if you choose to stay home but you can come and support us!" the restaurant said in a Facebook post.

The restaurant has been in business for more than 80 years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dining at bars and restaurants is closely linked to the spread of the virus in many communities. Adults who tested positive for the virus were approximately twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant than those with negative test results, according to a CDC study published in September. Experts now believe the coronavirus is airborne, and tiny droplets containing the virus can linger indoors for hours as aerosols, making indoor dining especially risky.

This article originally appeared on the Elmhurst Patch