Illinois Restaurants That Closed Permanently In 2022

JOLIET, IL — In 2022, there were a number of restaurants across the Chicago area that turned off their lights and locked up their doors forever for various reasons.

Here are some of the Illinois restaurants that shut their doors permanently during 2022.

Amigeaux's Restaurant Closing In Joliet

In the summer of 2021, Joliet Patch reported that three business partners who owned several Arby's restaurants were opening their first new restaurant concept, a blend of Cajun, Tex-Mex and Southern California cuisine, called Amigeaux's Sophisticated Street Food. The restaurant opened on Joliet's West Jefferson Street, next door to the popular Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen fast-food restaurant. Amigeaux's (pronounced like amigos) featured indoor dining and a drive-thru window. Amigeaux's offered 13 different tacos.

"But if you're not in the mood for a taco, we've got various unique takes on sandwiches," remarked Jeremy Moore, one of the three main business partners with Amigeaux's. "I love our tacos, but are sandwiches are pretty delicious."

The Amigeaux's concept didn't create a wow factor around Joliet. After being open for business for seven months at 2307 West Jefferson St., Amigeaux's closed at the end of February.

Ten months later, the building remains empty.

Beef Shack No Longer Open In Joliet

The Joliet Beef Shack at 1606 West Jefferson Street was in its fourth full year of business, but in March, the parking lot was empty. A sign in the window of the Beef Shack restaurant claimed that "Due to equipment failure, we are forced to be closed temporarily until that issue has been fixed. We will be back real soon to serve you your favorite beef and fresh cut fries. Our deepest apologies." In reality, Beef Shack had closed for good.

The citizens of Joliet never embraced Beef Shack as the company had hoped.

On an upbeat note, Joliet attracted a new Tacos El Tio No. 6 to open at the former Beef Shack restaurant in August.

Burger Rebellion Fails At Crest Hill Location

Burger Rebellion opened Jan. 25, 2021, near the corner of Renwick Road and Weber Road during the coronavirus pandemic, but its run in Crest Hill ended on a down note. In May, restaurant owner Dale Lewis closed up his Burger Rebellion restaurant, which he said last summer was a similar concept to the Crusade Burger in Yorkville.

In December, on a much more positive note, Crusade Burger Bar II opened in Crest Hill at the empty Burger Rebellion location, bringing a unique dining experience to Will County.

"We are very excited to have Crusade Burger Bar in the city of Crest Hill," Mayor Ray Soliman told Joliet Patch earlier this month. "Their food is outstanding, and they have a great reputation and following. They will become a destination point for our city along with our other fine restaurants.

"I wish them much success," Crest Hill's mayor added.

During a December interview with Patch, Crusade II general manager Jordan Blaskey stressed that Crusade has no affiliation with Burger Rebellion.

Catrinas Mex: Authentic Mexican Restaurant No Longer Open

In late June, Joliet Patch reported that the Catrinas Mex Real Mexican Food sit-down restaurant opened in the fall of 2018 at the site of the legendary Olde Keg pizzeria in downtown Joliet, but now the property was being overrun by pesky weeds.

There was a broken window along Jackson Street. A sign in the entrance door along Ottawa Street indicated: "CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE."

In September, Joliet Patch reported that a bright banner was now being displayed along Jackson Street alerting motorists that Don Orlando's Restaurant is coming soon. The banner indicates that Don Orlando's will also offer catering services for customers in downtown Joliet.

So far, however, nothing has changed. The supposed Don Orlando's Restaurant still has not opened as 2022 draws to a close.

Juicehead Smoothies To Close Plainfield Doors, Focus On Yorkville Spot

If you're a fan of Juicehead Smoothies & Coffee — or have been wanting to try it — the downtown Plainfield spot's last day of business was April 16. The owners announced Juicehead's closing and said they share the news "with great sadness, but extreme hopefulness" because while this marks the business's end in Plainfield, the focus will go to growing the Yorkville location.

Juicehead, located inside event venue Sanctuary, at 24216 W. Lockport St., was operated by Minor Threat Restaurant Group, the same group that operates Sovereign in Plainfield and Crusade Burger Bar in Yorkville. The smoothie spot opened in October 2020, during the pandemic.

Giambotta Pizza On Lockport Closing, Looks To Reopen Elsewhere

In January, Giambotta Pizza Co., a Lockport Street favorite in downtown Joliet since 2019, announced it would close its doors at the end of the month.

In a letter to their followers on Facebook, the owners said the restaurant's last day in business would be Jan. 30. To mark the occasion, people are invited to dine in, grab a bottle of natural wine and watch Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott's 1996 film "Big Night."

"This restaurant was a dream for me," reads a statement from owner Dario Rovito. "To have been able to bring what I love and care about to a table for you is something I’ll never take for granted."

Steve's Bakery Goes Out Of Business In Shorewood

After keeping their business closed all of February, Steve's Bakery announced on Feb. 25 it was done in Shorewood. Steve's Bakery had opened in July 2019 along Route 59 in the same strip mall as Crispy Waffle.

"After a tough decision, we are announcing that our Shorewood location will not be reopening," Steve's Bakery posted on Facebook. "Thanks to our loyal customers for supporting us there the last three years. If you're ever in the area, stop by and see us at our Streator and Ottawa locations."

Before opening in Shorewood, Steve's Bakery opened a third location in Yorkville, but that one closed, too.

Western Springs Restaurant Closes

A restaurant in Western Springs closed its doors in November after three years in business.

Hash Stacks Cafe & Market, 909 Burlington Ave., opened in 2019. It was in the spot of the former Salty Fig restaurant. At one point, a handwritten sign on the restaurant read, "We are permanently closed. The staff you know and love are in need of a job." It was dated Nov. 17.

Elmhurst Restaurant-Bar-Venue Closing

A restaurant, bar and concert venue that opened in the spring are closing at the end of the year. But they could re-open with new operators at some point next year. A couple of weeks ago, owner Tom Trenta said on Facebook that he was selling his interest in Elmhurst Hall, Kindred Restaurant and Ever Onward bar. New operators will take over the space in 2023 with new brands, he said.

The three businesses filled the space of the old Fitz's Spare Keys, which closed in June 2021, citing the pandemic shutdowns.

Longtime Elmhurst Restaurant Closing

Silverado Grill, which opened in Elmhurst in the 1980s, closed at the end of September.

The restaurant, 447 Spring Road, announced the news on Facebook. It revealed that all of its reservations slots are filled through Sept. 30. Walk-ins will be based on availability, according to the restaurant's Facebook page. Since July, a buyer was in discussions with the city about housing on the property.