(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An iconic business has shut its doors in a western suburb, but the mayor is optimistic about the future.
St. Charles Mayor Lora Vitek said everyone was sad to see the closing of Blue Goose Market after more than 90 years in business. She said owner Paul Lencioni is going out on his terms.
"I know the community values heritage and history, so I know the community's upset," Vitek said.
Still, the market's downtown location is a prime opportunity for someone else because of restaurants and other businesses there.
"I think there are opportunities. It is a great location, and I'm very hopeful there will be a business there soon," she said.
Vitek predicts the businesses climate will improve as people emerge with the lifting of COVID mitigations such as mask mandates.
"People are just ready. People are done with the pandemic and just ready to get out," she said.
She expects crowds for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown St. Charles on Saturday.






