So, what's the oldest restaurant in Champaign County?

Jim Rossow, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
·1 min read

Dec. 8—In a recent Kathy's Mailbag, we asked readers to submit their guesses/nominations for the oldest continuously (and currently) operated restaurant in Champaign County. The Workers' Café at Clifford-Jacobs Forging Co. held that title until it closed several years ago.

We had a few reader responses, and one that showed particular promise was from Daniel Frye, who said Sam's Café might be a contender. "It was started as Chris' Candy by Christine Mechling's great uncle (I think) on North Neil Street, then operated by her father, Gus, and by her 'til sold to Sam. Three locations over the years, I am aware of. Sam says his business started in 1951." That would make Sam's Café about 72 years old.

So how 'bout it, readers?

Do you know of any current Champaign County eateries that have been in continuous operation — at one or more locations, under one or more owners — longer than Sam's Café? If you do, let us know — especially if you're able to provide a solid lead on where we might be able to find some documentation about its history.

Email Kathy Reiser at kreiser@news-gazette.com.