La Grange Chain Restaurant Possibilities?

LA GRANGE, IL — When Bakers Square closed last week in La Grange, hundreds took to Facebook to express their sorrow. It has been a longtime institution in the village. So Patch asked readers on Facebook about which chain restaurants they would like to see come to La Grange.

One woman wrote, "Another restaurant? I think the space can be used more creatively for something the community needs, and it's not another restaurant," to which another woman added, "Or another gym."

Another reader suggested Shake Shack, a fast casual restaurant. But others noted that a trip there means adding a lot of calories that they would want to burn off later. One woman sarcastically remarked, "I'm sure this is absolutely F45 approved," referring to the fitness chain with a location in neighboring Western Springs. A man said Shake Shack was a good call, "but definitely dangerous for my waistline!"

Just in case you're wondering, the nearest Shake Shack to La Grange is in Oak Brook. It is one of nine locations in Illinois.

Whenever you ask a question about a desired restaurant, Portillo's is sure to come up. And it did in Patch's informal survey. The chain, though, is pretty choosy where it goes. It operates 63 restaurants in eight states, 41 of which are in Illinois. A number of locations are near La Grange, including in Willowbrook, Elmhurst and Summit.

Another person recommended Sonic come to town. This is the drive-in fast-foot restaurant you see in practically every town with a stoplight in the South and Southwest. Illinois has 49 locations, compared to 278 in Oklahoma, which has a much smaller population. A nearby one is in Villa Park.

Other suggestions:

• Culver's
• Einstein Bros. Bagels
• Chuy's
• P.F. Chang's
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Steak 'n Shake
• Jet's Pizza
• Olive Garden