Long-Established Family Restaurant DeKalb County

Business Overview:

High-Volume Long-Established Family Restaurant DeKalb County – Over 55 Years!

“A Beloved Diner With Over Five Decades Of Proven Success”

Become the next owner of one of DeKalb County’s most recognized and enduring family restaurants. Successfully serving the community since 1969, this highly respected independent diner has built an outstanding reputation for exceptional made-from-scratch comfort food, warm hospitality and an incredibly loyal multigenerational customer base. A true turnkey local institution with established operating systems and experienced long-term staff in place, where many families have made dining here a weekly tradition.

The extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu features all-day breakfast, one of the biggest traffic drivers, plus hearty skillets, omelets, pancakes, waffles, fresh salads, homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers, hand-cut steaks and rotating daily specials, appealing to every age and demographic and generating consistent business throughout the day and week.

The nostalgic dining room’s unique theme and classic décor create a memorable experience that sets it apart from typical diners and chains. Quality ingredients, homemade recipes and attentive service continue to drive strong word-of-mouth referrals and decades of repeat business.

Asset sale - all furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) included. 2025 sales over $837,000!

Contact the Seller:

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Property Features and Assets:

Prime retail space in a far western suburb of Chicago, situated along one of the county’s primary commercial corridors with outstanding visibility, easy accessibility, ample customer parking and excellent traffic exposure. Centrally located just minutes from downtown DeKalb and close to a major state university, the restaurant is surrounded by higher education institutions, major employers, retail shopping, schools and established residential neighborhoods, with convenient access from Sycamore and other surrounding communities. This prime setting draws a steady stream of students, professionals, families, retirees, local residents and travelers every day of the week. Inventory is not included and seller financing is not available. Current owners since 2023, selling due to personal health issues.

SqFt: 4,884
Seating: 165 Inside
Hrs: Mo-Sa 7a-8p & Su 7a-4p
Owners Role: Owner operated - active day-to-day
Training: Negotiable on-site comprehensive training
Lease: $6,776/mth gross. Expires Dec 2029 with one 5-year option

Market Competition and Expansion:

A classic American diner serving delicious home-cooked meals in a fun, welcoming hometown setting. Known as a legendary landmark with deep community roots, a campus institution, university tradition and THE go-to meeting place, it is widely considered the most popular family restaurant in DeKalb County. Highly rated and recommended, with a longstanding reputation for in-house baking including homemade cinnamon rolls, muffins, corn bread and desserts, plus fresh-squeezed orange juice, fast friendly service and a cozy family atmosphere with comfortable seating. Easy online ordering with quick delivery is already in place. Loved by faculty, staff, neighbors and campus visitors alike, and truly the friendliest place around town.

Strong upside for a new owner to grow sales further:

- Add outdoor seating
- Expand operating hours
- Launch a customer loyalty or rewards program
- Offer private events & banquets
- Introduce catering services
- Partner with 3rd-party delivery platforms
- Build a stronger digital presence
- Offer branded merchandise

Reason for Selling:

Personal health issues. Kindly ask the seller for more information.

Additional Details:

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