This Elmwood location of an award-winning burger restaurant is closing its doors soon
ELMWOOD — Cerno's Bar & Grill might not be open much longer in Elmwood.
The restaurant at 118 E. Main St. is to close toward the end of this year, according to a post on its Facebook page.
Cerno's co-owner Casidy Tavares said she's received an employment opportunity in her hometown of Kewanee. That also is the location of the original Cerno's, which remains open at 213 W. Third St.
"We were hoping to hold off on this announcement as we are working with the city and building owners to find another business to take advantage of this turn-key opportunity," Tavares wrote. "An amazing building, with an incredible staff and community."
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According to Tavares, business was good despite the coronavirus pandemic. No closing date was given.
The Elmwood Cerno's opened in early 2019, in a space Elmwood Brewing Co. once occupied. It's a branch of the longstanding Kewanee restaurant known for its 50-foot mahogany bar, built in 1898.
Cerno's in Elmwood doesn't have a bar quite that long, but it does have much of the same menu as its Kewanee parent.
Earlier this year, Elmwood Cerno's chef Justin Arrowsmith received praise for his adept handling of 25 motorcyclists who on short notice arrived for lunch.
Previously: 25 hungry bikers and 20 minutes' notice: Chef at Illinois restaurant gets standing ovation
After what they deemed an excellent meal and service, the bikers summoned Arrowsmith from the kitchen. When Arrowsmith emerged, they gave him a standing ovation — and a tip of about $70.
In 2019, Cerno's in Kewanee won the Illinois Beef Association's Best Burger Contest.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Cerno's Bar & Grill in Elmwood to close later this year
