CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — New China Restaurant opened along Northwest Highway in Fox River Grove in 1975.
It survived a fire in 2013 but came under fire again when the village made multiple attempts to seize the property.
“It was kind of like a slap in the face,” owner William Gee told WBBM Newsradio. “Shortly after they gave us the Star Business Award in April, they came back in July and said, ‘We’re going to move forward with the eminent domain.’”
According to the village of Fox River Grove, one of its downtown redevelopment initiatives involves acquiring properties along Northwest Highway between Lincoln Avenue and Illinois Street, including New China Restaurant.
Once acquired, the two acres surrounding the municipal center would be marketed to the commercial/mixed-use development community for proposals.
Following a three year legal battle, Gee said the restaurant reached a settlement with the village and will be closing its doors for good on Oct. 31.
“People are actually coming in now and getting their fix [because] they know that we're going to be out of business,” Gee said. “We just wanted to thank the people for supporting us all these years and just let them know what's going on here and that there's nothing we can change.”
Gee said there isn't nearly enough money for the restaurant to relocate.
A sign outside the restaurant now reads, “Thanks for 47 years, they won.”
One employee took to social media saying he was heartbroken by the news.
“It absolutely breaks my heart to see these buildings which have had Al Capone, and many businesses since, be destroyed and all of the incredible historic value along with it,” the post read.
A Fox River Grove administrator has yet to respond to WBBM Newsradio’s request for comment.
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