This Elmhurst Bar And Restaurant Is Closing

ELMHURST, IL — Fitz's Spare Keys is closing its doors Wednesday after a dozen years in business, its owner announced on Facebook.

The business, 119 N. York St., includes a restaurant, bar, bowling alley, pool tables and a live music area.

"Having a 24,000 square foot bowling alley and music venue has been very difficult over the last 15 months of shutdowns and COVID regulations, and unfortunately it was just too much to stay in business," owner Brendan Fitzharris said in a Facebook post this week.

Fitzharris said one of Fitz's advantages was that it had a lot of space to hold concerts, weddings, birthday parties, reunions and fundraisers.

"I would also like to thank all our present and past employees who worked so hard throughout the years," Fitzharris said.

He told Pioneer Press that Fitz's Spare Keys suffered when it was forced to shut down and then saw business drop 80 percent to 90 percent after it reopened. He also said the business lost a lot of events.

On Saturday, Fitz's Spare Keys will hold a going-away party.

Fans of Fitz's Spare Keys expressed sadness on Facebook.

"Your establishment has been so community-oriented with all the fundraisers you've held over the years, and your support of the Elmhurst University music program has been wonderful," one woman said.

Another said, "I have many good memories from there, including my son's 18th birthday party and having his first drink at 21 and also meeting my boyfriend for our very first date. This is sad."