By Madhu Krishnamurthy | Daily Herald
Patrons bid farewell to neighborhood haunts, chain eateries, mom-and-pop operations, longtime community staples and shuttered shopping malls that were among a slew of business closures in the suburbs this year.
Here, we mark the demise of a sampling of those ventures, some of which left lingering memories in the hearts of their loyal customers.
Closing time: Spring Hill Mall rings up last sales
The largely vacant Spring Hill Mall closed permanently on March 22. Kohan Retail Investment Group acquired Spring Hill Mall on July 16, 2021. West Dundee, which already owns the former Sears and Macy’s buildings, later purchased the mall, which straddles West Dundee and Carpentersville. The village bought the 500,000-square-foot building for $7 million. Previously, West Dundee acquired the former Macy’s and Sears anchors at the mall for $1.1 million and $2 million, respectively.
Citing ‘unfortunate reality,’ park district closes Palatine Stables
The publicly owned Palatine Stables closed in the fall after some seven decades of equestrian operations under the Palatine Park District. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
The publicly owned Palatine Stables closed in the fall after some seven decades of equestrian operations. “While the memories of pony rides and show ribbons are recounted by many, the unfortunate reality is that expense of operations and fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers have resulted in a decision to end programming at the end of the summer season,” a lengthy statement on the Palatine Park District’s website read. The last pony rides were offered July 31.
Jelly Belly closes North Chicago plant, laying off 66 workers
Jelly Belly Candy Co. closed its plant in North Chicago in October and laid off 66 employees, according to its Chicago-based parent company Ferrara Candy. The plant closure came after Ferrara, which says it’s the largest sugar candy company in the U.S., bought the family-owned Jelly Belly for an undisclosed sum in November 2023.
Apple Villa Famous Pancake House in Hoffman Estates closes
Apple Villa restaurant, left, in the Fountain Crossings strip mall on Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates closed. | Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com, August 2024
Apple Villa Famous Pancake House & Restaurant, which has been part of Hoffman Estates for nearly all of the 21st century and counted U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth among its local fans, closed in August. The popular eatery was named Business of the Year by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce & Industry in January 2015. A note on the door at 3101 Barrington Road, photographed and posted on social media, thanked customers for 19 years of memories and encouraged visiting the remaining location at 1961 W. Wilson St. in Batavia.
Read more here.