Front Street Cantina in downtown Naperville is closing its doors, a staff member at the restaurant confirmed.
Thursday was to be its last day of operation after being a staple in downtown Naperville for three decades. The staff member declined to give further details about why they were shutting their doors.
The news came as a shock to some Naperville residents, who recounted previous visits to the Mexican restaurant.
“I have been coming here for more than 10 years,” Naperville resident Lauren Bezdek said. “I have so many fond memories from high school and they have a wonderful team here so very sad to hear it. … One of my favorite things about downtown Naperville is this restaurant.”
Bezdek came to the restaurant for one last meal with her mom Thursday afternoon.
“When I’ve been here with you, the staff’s always been patient because we’ll come here and eat and visit and never feel rushed,” said Kathy Bezdek, Lauren’s mom.
Lindsay Chan, born and raised in Naperville, said she grew up going to the restaurant with her family. Now, with a husband and two children of her own, it is one of her kids’ favorite spots to eat at. She learned about the closure from staff when ate at the restaurant Wednesday night.
“My kids begged me to go back again today, one more time, when they found out,” Chan said. “We were just a big fan of the food there and the friendly staff.”
The restaurant had experienced troubles in the past but was able to rebound. Notably, it was closed for more than 18 months after rehab crew reportedly punctured a sprinkler pipe and caused extensive damage, according to published reports.
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