Mitch's Chicago Style Grill Closing Dec. 23

A popular Grayslake eatery known for its Chicago style dogs, sports memorabilia, video arcade and countless community fundraisers will close its doors Dec. 23.

The following message was posted on the Facebook page of Mitch's Chicago Style Grill Saturday:

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mitch's will be closing 12/23. Come by while supplies of your favorite foods last. We also have a few T-shirts and Challenge T-Shirts available for sale - get yours for posterity.

Thank you for your years of patronage. We have made many new friends and have enjoyed being a part of many family celebrations. We are proud to have supported over 50 community organizations in the past year alone.

We hope to see you to personally thank you as we say goodbye to Mitch's.

Mitch's first opened in July 2004. Landy, who also serves as a Grayslake Library trustee, took over the business in Oct. 2010 with chef Dan Sheahan, who Landy said left 18 months ago.

"Business has been terrible," said Landy. "People have tightened up their purse straps and aren't eating out as much. I haven't had the ability to take a paycheck in 27 months."

Landy said he now needs to find employment with someone who can give him a regular paycheck.

In the summer of 2011, said Landy, there would easily be 50 to 60 Little Leaguers at Mitch's on a Saturday after their game. This past summer, he said, they'd be lucky to see five or six.

"It's hard to get people to do anything after the game," said Landy.

Mitch's is just the latest Grayslake business to close. It joins Piggy Wiggly, Last Chance Saloon (which was purchased by Emil's and will become a new restuarant), Entwined Floral and Pat's Pizza, among others.

Hot Spot

Mitch's was a hot spot for post-game celebrations, school fundraisers and charitable events such as Toys for Tots. This year, Mitch's came in third for "Best Hot Dog" in Patch's Readers' Choice.

Upon Mitch's Facebook announcement, loyal customers expressed their disappointment that yet another Grayslake business was closing:

Very sad to learn of this. Scott, you and Mitch's have been wonderful to Grayslake. Thank you for all you've done for the Grayslake Oasis and our veterans especially. Wishing you wonderful future challenges and successes.—Joyce Campbell.

Thanks for all the support you have given the community. We really enjoyed bringing our family to your restaurant. We will have fond memories for years to come.—Kris Hyde Young

Hoping I am reading this wrong and you don't mean for good..will you be re-opening somewhere else? Although I don't get there often, my experiences there have always been good..good food and a great staff..—Kathy Henning Hill

Sad to see another local favorite close. Good luck in the future.—Heather Miller Brown

Landy said Mitch's, located at 116 S. Route 83, will be open until 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, "or until the food runs out," whichever comes first.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.