Darien Restaurant Closed For Good

DARIEN, IL — The Steak 'n Shake chain still lists its Darien location as one of its restaurants. It is listed as closed temporarily on the chain's website. The reality: It is shut down for good.

When Patch dropped by Thursday, a sign on the front door indicated the restaurant had closed. Its name and trademark striped awnings have been removed.

According to the LoopNet real estate website, the 4,180-square-foot building at 2019 W. 75th St. is on the market for nearly $1.5 million.

In May, the Indianapolis-based chain announced it would close 57 restaurants, though it did not identify which ones. It blamed the decision on the pandemic-related closures of restaurants. The chain began with its first location in downstate Normal in 1934.

Asked about the Steak 'n Shake, April Padalik, executive director of the Darien Chamber of Commerce, said she had no information on what may go in the building.

The city of Darien has placed a notice on the business that it would arrange to have the grass and weeds cut for the remainder of the season. It advised the property owner to make arrangements to take care of those responsibilities to avoid liens. As of Thursday, the grass was cut.

City Planner Joe Hennerfeind's name was on the notice. He couldn't be reached for immediate comment Friday.

The nearest Steak 'n Shake is at 1520 Ogden Ave. in Downers Grove. A person answering the phone there Friday said that location remained open.