Illinois Restaurants That Closed Permanently In 2021

ILLINOIS — In 2021, restaurants throughout Illinois were still reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many restaurants that made it through 2020 were forced to close their doors this year, leaving residents missing some of their favorite local haunts as we head into 2022.

Here are some of the Illinois restaurants that shut their doors permanently in 2021.

Traverso's Italian Restaurant Closing After Almost 50 Years

ORLAND PARK — After nearly half a century in business, Traverso's Italian Restaurant announced that its Orland Park location was set to close permanently after Jan. 1, 2022.

In a social media post, officials for the restaurant wrote that the property at 15601 South Harlem Ave. had been bought out. The Orland Park eatery was opened by brothers John and George Traverso in 1974.

The Traverso brothers used recipes perfected by their mother, who was born in Italy, to win over diners with homemade minestrone, ravioli, lasagna and other traditional dishes.

In a statement, Traverso's said, "Thank you all for the continuous support and friendships that we've made along the way. Please stop by for one last goodbye."

Chicken-N-Spice Farewell: Senator Connor Presents Award

JOLIET — Chicken-N-Spice, a well-loved Joliet staple, shut its doors for good in 2021 as owners Pat and Ken Reimer went into retirement.

The sendoff, which took place in September, featured nine farewell cakes, dozens of fans of the restaurant and, of course, thousands of pieces of Chicken-N-Spice's tasty chicken. The Reimers also received a special state recognition award from Illinois State Sen. John Connor.

"Forty-two years of dedication and service in downtown Joliet," Connor said at the event. "That's the big thing."

Busy Bee Bakery For Sale After Decades In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE —Downers Grove residents were heartbroken to learn of the death of Busy Bee Bakery owner Chuck Kalousek, 55. Kalousek died June 23 after a long battle with coronavirus. For more than two decades, Kalousek crafted St. Nicholas gingerbread cookies, cakes and other treats that kept residents coming back for more.

In the wake of Kalousek's death, his wife Katie announced in August that the store, which had been shuttered during her husband's illness, was up for sale.

"Our family has been honored to be able to serve you for the past 22 years," Kalousek said. "My heart is broken and I want you to know that there will always be a very large piece of my heart left inside 5126 Main Street, forever."

Fox's Restaurant In Plainfield Closes After Almost 11 Years

PLAINFIELD — In late October, Fox's Restaurant & Pub, a Plainfield favorite, announced it would close its doors after 11 years. The restaurant was beloved for its pizza, burgers and signature corned beef sandwiches.

An outpouring of love was expressed on social media after Fox's announced its impending closure.

The owners of Fox's Restaurant & Pub did not share a reason for closing in their announcement on Facebook, which read, in part, "Thank you all so much and keep supporting all the local businesses! We will always cherish the time we had serving you."

Family Square Closes, New Pancake House To Open In Its Wake

BOLINGBROOK — Family Square closed in August 2021 after nearly forty years in Bolingbrook. A new pancake house was set to take its place.

The family-owned eatery, run by Tony and Nick Pitsilos, was known for its homemade entrees and welcoming atmosphere.

After Family Square announced its plans to close, residents took to social media to share memories and send along well wishes.

One resident wrote, "So sad, I love this place and will miss going there!! Always so nice and enjoyed so many things about this place."

Louis' Restaurant: Final Weeks Near For 1001 W. Jefferson St.

JOLIET — Louis' Family Restaurant closed permanently in 2021 after being open in Joiet since 1992. Owner Louie Polimenakos retired just days before his sons, Nick and Mike, were set to carry on his legacy by opening Louie's Waffle House near the Larkin Avenue exit for Interstate 80.

"He could never just keep his feet up and just sit down," Nick said of his father. "He's likely to come and say hi to his old customers, the people who kept him alive for 30 years."

Diamand's Confirms It's Closed Forever, As Patch Reported

JOLIET — The family-owed Diamand's which had been a beloved dining spot in Joliet since 1989, closed for good in early 2021.

The restaurant, which had faced tough times before and during the start of coronavirus, posted on social media in January, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce our doors have officially closed for good. Unfortunately, with the onset of COVID-19 we were forced to close our doors abruptly without any certainty of the future. These are difficult times we are in and small business is suffering across the nation."

Which local restaurants that closed in 2021 were your favorites? Why? Let us know in the comments.

This article originally appeared on the Chicago Patch