Watching the restaurant landscape in Champaign-Urbana is a bit like watching a tennis match these days: left, right, open, closed, lob, lunge, ace.
The amount of closings and openings in the past three months alone is enough to give spectators a bit of whiplash.
So we decided to develop a scorecard. Here it is; add your two cents in the comments. Of course, we never like to see local businesses close and people lose jobs; we’re not celebrating the closings, just reporting on them. Oh, and we’re generally leaving Campustown out of this, since restaurants open and close there as the wind blows. But we’re happy to consider them.
Local Closings:
Who: Taffies, Champaign (Country Fair)
When: Aug. 4
What Happened: Multiple media reports indicated the owners didn’t want to continue in that building, which they didn’t own, after the lease was up.
Who will miss it: Kids loved it. And we will miss the commercials featuring talking feet.
Any hope for the future?: According to its Facebook page, Taffies will be re-opening in Mahomet at 608 Main Street. We will be reporting soon on this new development.
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When: Late August
What happened: According to social media posts, the owners retired to spend more time with their grandchildren.
Who will miss it: This place was a Champaign tradition, and its legion of fans will keep its memory alive. Because Seaboat! Best place for fish in town.
Any hope for the future? No word if anyone will buy Seaboat recipes and continue the 20-year plus tradition.
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Who: Station 6 Pizza, Southwest Champaign (Sunsinger shopping area off Windsor)
When: Mid-September
What happened: According to the News-Gazette, they were shut down for health violations, and later closed.
Who will miss it: Er, we won’t. But we never like to see people lose their jobs.
Any hope for the future? Doesn’t sound like it. The official Facebook page has been taken down, but the website is still live.
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Who: Ichiban Buffet, Mattis/University (in the Schnucks strip mall)
When: Mid-October
What happened: This restaurant had multiple run-ins with the health district that does restaurant inspections. Via CU Citizen Access: “A Champaign restaurant received one of the worst health inspection scores on record after inspectors found dried meat and blood on its wall in April.”
Who will miss it: Families will — this was a Christmas tradition for some folks we know, but there are other options.
Any hope for the future? Eviction notice on the window would suggest there isn’t, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see another Asian buffet open in that space. That’s been the pattern at that locale for years.
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Who: Hometown Buffet, Champaign (North Prospect)
When: Mid-October
What happened: The News-Gazette posted a photo of a sign in the window saying it was permanently closed. Another restaurant that had struggled with health department inspections, according to CU Citizen Access.
Who will miss it: Hometown Buffet is a national chain that was an affordable place for families. It was also one of the few local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
Any hope for the future? Being a national chain, it is completely possible that Hometown Buffet will re-open someday, perhaps in another location. Ryan’s is owned by the same restaurant group.
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Who: Monical’s Pizza, Champaign (Neil/Kirby)
When: Mid-October
What happened: Huge signs were posted on the wall of the restaurant announcing its closure. Its central location was hampered by the traffic flow on Kirby and the lack of parking.
Who will miss it: Wolfram employees. It was right next door. But seriously, Monical’s isn’t going anywhere. See below.
Any hope for the future? Monical’s has plenty of other area locations. One of them is very near the newly-shuttered Ichiban Buffet.
Local Openings:
Who: Pizzeria Antica, Champaign
When: Late July
Description: A fast casual brick-oven pizza restaurant located in the heart of downtown Champaign. Our reviewer says, “Pizzeria Antica was an amazing new find for our date night repertoire, but more importantly I will add it to our family night out too.”
Kids Menu? No
Where: Downtown Champaign, across the street from the City Building.
Why we’re excited: The pizza is different from most anywhere else.
Who: Moe’s Southwest Grill, Champaign
When: Early September
Description: Fast casual Mexican. Burritos, tacos, nachos and more.
Kids Menu? Yes
Where: In the Carriage Center development off of Neil Street at Devonshire
Why we’re excited: Kids Eat Free on Sundays. Friendly staff. Salsa bar! Outdoor seating to take in the trains! But parking is a little tight right now. Review: coming soon.
Who: Black Dog, Champaign
When: Late September
Description: OK, so this isn’t technically a new restaurant, but a new location. Still very worth mentioning. Smile Politely called it “the most exclusive and adored eatery” in Champaign-Urbana. Called some of the best barbecue in the nation, it’s hard not to like this place. Its burnt ends are on our 25 Things To Eat in C-U list.
Kids Menu? Yes
Where: Downtown Champaign, in the old train station. Off of Main Street.
Why we’re excited: No more long waits. At least, that’s our hope; we might not be so lucky.
Who: Brixx, Champaign
When: Early October
Description: Brixx is focused on made-to-order pizza — with all different kinds of sauces, toppings, and other fixings. The restaurant also has salads and pasta, so there’s something for everyone. It’s open late night and has a full bar, but specializes in craft beer (including some locals). This is the first Illinois location for the small chain.
Kids Menu? Yes
Where: In the Carriage Center development off of Neil Street at Devonshire
Why we’re excited: Looks like a good option for family-friendly eating in the future. We enjoyed our date lunch. Modern atmosphere, friendly folks. Review: coming soon.
Coming soon:
Two restaurants are set to open soon on Neil Street in downtown Champaign: an Italian restaurant with roots in Chicago called Nando Milano Trattoria, who is still looking to hire employees (next to Jane Addams Book Store) and Watson’s Shack & Rail (in the former Boltini’s space).
Another restaurant announced it will be coming to the new Carriage Center Development on South Neil Street: Scotty’s Brewhouse, an Indiana chain that is looking to Champaign as one of its first out-of-state locations. Plans are for the restaurant to open in the spring.
What recent restaurant closings/openings did we miss? What should we cover?
