Geneva’s Wildwood Closes Permanently Amid Coronavirus Shutdown

GENEVA, IL — After 14 years of serving up steaks, wines and fine dining in Geneva, Wildwood has closed its doors for good, owner Patrick Neary said Friday. The coronavirus pandemic and the state’s restrictions on dine-in restaurants “have turned an already tough competitive environment into an uncertain and likely losing proposition,” Neary wrote on the restaurant’s website.

Neary thanked his staff and customers and reminisced about the “many heart-warming memories” that Wildwood helped create over the past decade and a half.

Kane Co. Board Rejects Effort To Withhold Coronavirus Death Data

“I hope each of you can look back on your time at Wildwood and think of a memory (or two or three) that will stay with you forever – family and friends celebrating a special occasion or just escaping from the day-to-day grind over a terrific meal paired with a great bottle of wine,” Neary said.

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 18 — Don't miss updates about precautions in the Geneva area as they are announced — Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Neary warned other large, dine-in restaurants that rent their space are in particular danger of being forced to close amid the coronavirus pandemic. He urged people to support their local restaurants and small businesses, which are all facing financial hardship.

“My only request of each of you is to embrace the current plight of your local restaurants and merchants and provide them the wonderful support you have provided to Wildwood over the years,” Neary wrote.