Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language Blogger
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices Health
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 Culture
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? Blogger
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train” Baby Boomers
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials Features
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings Government
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers elections
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Books & Films
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law Baby Boomers
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits Business
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Business
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment Entertainment
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Blogger

“I hate to see this go”

Posted on March 2, 2020March 2, 2020 By Steve Metsch No Comments on “I hate to see this go”
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

“I hate to see this go”

Patrons mourn Bakers Square in La Grange

By Steve Metsch

Eddie Mele stood for a moment outside the front door of Bakers Square in La Grange, turned and slowly walked back to his vehicle in stunned silence.

“Holy mackerel,” Mele, of Orland Park, said. “I hate to see this go. It’s a great place.”

He was not alone in his surprise when a steady stream of hungry patrols arrived on Feb. 25 at Bakers Square, 942 S. La Grange Road, only to learn it had been shut down.

“It’s a great location. Good for business. Every time I drove by there was somebody in here,” Mele said.

Eddie Mele was stunned to learn Bakers Square in La Grange had been closed down. He was not alone. Photo by Steve Metsch.

Bakers Square was first called Poppin’ Fresh Pie when the land was rezoned commercial 44 years ago, according to the La Grange Area Historical Society.

Patrons found a letter taped to the front glass door that said the restaurant closed Feb. 23.

“What a shame to lose this,” said Mele, who drove there to buy a pie to share with coworkers at Brook Park Elementary School in La Grange Park where he is a maintenance man.

“I love the banana cream pie, absolutely,” Mele said. “Now I’m going back with nothing.”

The letter read: “After very careful consideration, we have made the tough but necessary decision to discontinue operations at the La Grange location.”

The decision was “driven by many business factors,” the letter read. Employees would be relocated to another location or given a severance package, the letter indicated.

One of those employees, a waiter named Tomas, will be sorely missed, said Sandy Baumruck, of North Riverside.

“Tomas, he was our favorite. He knew our order even before we walked in,” Baumruck said. “It just up and closed?”

She brought her mother, Shirley Phillips, there for soup, sandwiches and pie of course. Phillips especially liked the peach pie while Baumruck favored French apple.

Another woman who declined to give her name grimaced when told the news: “Then I don’t get no pie. I’ll have to move on. I’ll go to Jewel.”

Maria Herrera drove from Cicero for lunch on Feb. 25, only to learn the restaurant had been closed down. Photo by Steve Metsch.

Maria Herrera, of Cicero, said her family enjoyed Sunday dinners there. “I like the food, the salads, everything,” she said.

“Wow, wow,” Herrera said shaking her head after reading the letter.

A woman on the La Grange, IL, page on Facebook said her daughter worked there and was told Monday in a phone call the restaurant would close down.

In January, American Blue Ribbon Holdings, which owns the Bakers Square and Village Inn restaurant chains, closed Bakers Square locations in Libertyville, Lansing, Alsip, Orland Park and Merrillville. La Grange seemed safe.

The company is seeking bankruptcy protection, other newspapers have reported. Those closings were part of 33 locations that were shuttered in January.

Former Lyons resident Darlene Lydia wrote on Facebook that Bakers Square “had the best banana cream pie anywhere!”

Katie Swanson Herndon, of La Grange, fondly recalls when her future husband, Dave Herndon, and she would take his grandmother, Emelyn Hatch, there for lunch.

Bill Wettstein, a parishioner of St. Cletus Roman Catholic Church in La Grange, recalled “numerous gatherings with St. Cletus choir members there. Breakfasts following Sunday mass and a break stop for pie and coffee between choir rehearsals and returning home.”

“Tomas is the name of the waiter who patiently served us most of the time. The manager, Victoria, (reportedly) delivered numerous free pies to the St. Cletus Food Pantry at the time of (near) closing. A memorable meeting-with-friends place that will be missed,” Wettstein added.

If you find yourself needing banana cream or another pie, nine Bakers Square restaurants remain in the area. Nearby are Melrose Park, Orland Park and Woodridge. Visit www.bakerssquare.com for addresses.

Asked what will happen to the La Grange site, company spokesman Rob Hoskins replied “I don’t have any details beyond what’s in the statement.”

Baumruck said she hopes to see “another good sit-down family restaurant” move into the building.

Charity Jones, community development director for La Grange, said the village was “aware there were issues corporately.”

“As far as what’s next, we are in contact with our contacts at Bakers Square and we look forward to working with Bakers Square to facilitate redevelopment of the property. La Grange Road is a sought-after location for businesses. We had about 50 new businesses open last year.

She called the one-acre Bakers Square location “a rare opportunity in La Grange.”

“It has excellent access and visibility on La Grange Road, so we think it represents a great redevelopment opportunity for another restaurant or a commercial business to come in,” Jones said.

She said “anything is possible,” adding it is zoned for commercial use.

The site was zoned commercial in May 1976 for Poppin’ Fresh Pie, said Sarah Parkes, executive director of the La Grange Area Historical Society. It was rebranded as Bakers Square in 1985 when the chain was purchased by the Village Inn chain, Parkes wrote in an e-mail.

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township student - May 11, 2023
  • James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA - November 26, 2022
  • “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich - November 26, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:Bakers Square, Eddie Mele, La Grange, St. Cletus Church

Post navigation

Previous Post: Donating to the future
Next Post: It’s never about who’s best in national elections

Related Posts

  • Author Aaron Hanania
    Orland Park High school junior publishes SciFi novel Books & Films
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving firm CLE to address strategies for litigating vs pro se parties Civil Rights
  • Lyons Village Trustee Greg Ramirez who passed away in January 2019
    Mayor Getty and community mourn Trustee Greg Ramirez passing breaking news
  • Cicero Plaza with flags. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Walgreens chooses to fight Cicero Face Mask order Business
  • Kendall Coyne book cover, "As Fast as Her"
    Olympic Hockey Champion Kendall Coyne publishes new book Books & Films
  • One of the Arab Community’s most effective organizations Blogger

More Related Articles

Summit looking at fire hydrants News
house fire on the 9100 block of 169th place in Orland Hills on the evening of March 18, 2022 State Fire Marshal to Honor Firefighters for their Heroic Efforts and Remember those Lost in the Line-Of-Duty Events
Lyons arrests two carjacking suspects who were out on bond for other felony crimes Cook County
The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.” Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 Culture
Tammy Wendt, candidate for Cook County Board of Review 1st District, Nov. 3, 2020. Courtesy of Tammy Wendt Patlak and Wendt exchange courteous words in example of positive election transition breaking news
Seth Rudetsky and Audra McDonald in Broadway @ Town Hall – Photo by Sachyn Mital Steppenwolf Theater hosts benefit with McDonald-Rudertsky concert Sept. 15 Entertainment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Jane M. Orient, M.D.
    No, You Do Not Own ‘Your’ Pronouns or My Language
    June 6, 2023
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America?
    June 3, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train”
    June 2, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns
    May 22, 2023
  • The Berlin Cleopatra, a Roman sculpture of Cleopatra wearing a royal diadem, mid-1st century BC (around the time of her visits to Rome in 46–44 BC), discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia and now located in the Altes Museum in Germany. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Was Cleopatra Black or White and why it matters
    April 29, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wears a "Police" badge on his shirt during his political attacks made from his taxpayer funded village pulpit.
    Orland Park Mayor Pekau’s lies cost him the election, again
    April 12, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023 Orland Park Mayor Keith P... Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is "off the rails on a crazy train" Orland Pa... posted on June 2, 2023
  • Youth charged with attemp... Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township s... posted on May 11, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia National Association for... National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies... posted on May 10, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss Crystal Tree homeowner fr... Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won't address his concerns Dr. Robe... posted on May 22, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Senator Michael Hasting e... Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health C... posted on May 24, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7
    June 3, 2023
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials
    May 27, 2023
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings
    May 26, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • Chicago Fire FC will continue its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
    Chicago Fire FC to Face St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at SeatGeek Stadium
    April 29, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    While science grapples with the cause of the life expectancy gap between sexes, men need to make better health choices
    June 6, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers
    May 10, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois
    May 23, 2023
  • Craft Fair photo courtesy of Emily Webster and Unsplash.com
    Artisan and craft vendor’s wanted for Cicero Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair in June
    May 5, 2023
  • Hyundai Sonata. Photo courtesy of Hyundai
    Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok
    April 14, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme