What's Happening?
Thassos Greek Restaurant, located at 1 Walker Ave. in downtown Clarendon Hills, has closed its doors, leaving the space vacant and marking the fifth restaurant turnover at this location since 2016. The restaurant, which opened in 2022, was closed due
to health issues faced by its owner, according to Don Glover of The Glover Team, the real estate company representing the building owner. The closure was unexpected for the village, as Ed Cage, the director of community and economic development, noted that the operators did not inform them in advance. Efforts are underway to recruit a new restaurant to fill the space, with Glover expressing optimism about finding a suitable replacement that meets community desires.
Why It's Important?
The closure of Thassos Greek Restaurant highlights the challenges faced by dining establishments in maintaining operations, particularly in a location with a history of frequent turnover. This situation underscores the importance of strong and experienced operators in the restaurant industry. The vacancy also presents an opportunity for Clarendon Hills to attract a new dining option that could potentially become a local favorite, thereby enhancing the downtown area's appeal and economic vitality. The community's input on desired restaurant types, such as a steakhouse or Mexican eatery, could influence the selection process and ultimately impact local dining culture and business dynamics.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the recruitment of a new restaurant to occupy the vacant space. The Glover Team is actively seeking potential candidates, with interest already expressed by restaurant groups looking to expand from Chicago to the suburbs. The timeline for a new restaurant opening will depend on the chosen concept and the extent of renovations required. Additionally, the village's decision on granting tax increment financing (TIF) could play a crucial role in attracting and securing a new tenant. The village board will evaluate any requests from prospective tenants based on their TIF policy.
