Elmhurst Restaurant Gathering Broken Up By Police

ELMHURST, IL — An Elmhurst restaurant owner allowed a gathering at his business late Saturday night, but police were called because such a group violates the governor's executive order on the coronarvirus. The group broke up.

According to a police report, an officer was called to 100 South Chop House, 100 S. York St., about 10 p.m. when someone reported the gathering to police. An officer said he saw about 15 people at the restaurant and asked attendees to leave, the report said.

In an interview Monday, owner Dominic Ranieri said he allowed the gathering for an employee whose grandmother had died earlier in the day. Ranieri said the employee helped him when he needed it most years ago when Ranieri was suffering from addiction.

"I could tell he was sad. I took a risk. I figured it was the least I could do for him," Ranieri said. "We didn't have a big party."

Ranieri said about half of the people were employees. He said he understood the police's action.

Earlier this month, Elmhurst police were twice called to Going For Greatness Gym, 503 W. Third St., saying the business appeared to be open.

Read more:

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