Ellie's Café Closing For Good At End Of Year

CHICAGO — The Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood on the Far South Side is one rich with beloved small businesses, but it's hard to find many more beloved than Ellie's Café, the neighborhood gathering spot that for nearly eight years has stood on the corner of 107th and Hale just east of the 107th Street Metra station.

But sadly, next Monday Dec. 30, Ellie's will serve its final meal. The local diner announced Thursday they will close for good at the end of 2019. The café sent this flyer to their customers.

Ellie's later clarified that Monday, Dec. 30 would be their final day, and will not be open on New Year's Eve. The restaurant had typically been closed every Tuesday anyway.

Tributes to the diner that served for many as a neighborhood gathering poured in immediately on Facebook.

"The neighborhood won't be the same without Ellie's," one loyal customer wrote.

Another called the closing "such a loss to the community."

"Thank you (owner) Cathy (Stacey) and Ellie's staff for all your hard work and bringing us deliciousness for 7 years! We have made great memories at weddings, Christmas, showers and more with your awesome food. Good luck and wish you all the best."

Another said she will miss the sweet potato loaded hash browns, but even more so "the feeling of the place whenever I walked in the door."

Ellie's made an impact on the local community, often hosting local music acts, offering a weekly Thursday night dinner and visibly proclaiming on its side window that "All you need is love."

"I am heart sick over the closing of Ellie's Café," said Steve English, owner of The Blossom Boys flower shop. "No truly small local business has been more generous with their behind the scenes charity. The closing of any small business threatens other businesses and the charm of Beverly."

But as much as Ellie's supported the community, members of the community did support them in their time of need. In 2018, a "cash mob" helped the business stay afloat after thieves broke in overnight and stole all the money from the cash register.

"What was most gratifying was that people took the time, went out of their way, to come in and let me know they were thinking about Ellie's... It feels good to know that I'm surrounded by thoughtful and generous friends," Stacey said at the time.