Doc’s Smokehouse, which specialized in traditional Southern barbecue and craft beers and craft whiskeys, shut down all of its locations at the close of business Sunday night including restaurants in Mokena and Dyer, Ind.
The restaurant, which opened in June 2017 at 19081 Old La Grange Road in Mokena, said in a posting on Facebook it was forced to close in part because of “conflicting safety information from health departments and the CDC.”
“It has become clear to me that we are no longer able to deliver the Doc’s experience in a manner that is safe for both our guests and our staff,” founder Brent Brashier said in the message.
“While it is heartbreaking to close the business that we have poured our heart and soul into, I know that by closing now we will be able to return better than ever,” Brashier said. “This is temporary. We will be back.”
The Mokena location has already suffered through two lengthy pandemic-related shutdowns. Other locations closed were in Wisconsin.
It had already curtailed its days of operation at the end of September and was only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Doc’s carried 64 craft beers on tap and had a substantial selection of craft whiskeys.
The Mokena location was in the largely vacant retail strip center behind Denny’s and White Castle on 191st Street in Mokena.
It was the third location for Doc’s, which was started by restaurateur Brashier in Dyer.
Byline, First Midwest to close more bank branches
First Midwest Bank joined Byline bank last week in announcing it will shutter a number of branches in the coming weeks.
Chicago-based Byline Bank announced last month it would close 11 of its 57 branches by the end of the year, about 20% of its network. It has yet to identify the specific locations that will be closed.
The closures will result in a one-time charge of about $5.9 million, but Byline said it expects to save about $4.3 million beginning next year from the branch closures. A portion of those funds will be used to increase Byline’s digital banking platform, as well as to renovate and upgrade existing branches, the bank said.
Chicago-based First Midwest Bank, the 11th largest in the area by deposits, said it will permanently close 17 locations, or 15% of its network, early next year.
First Midwest didn’t identify which branches are closing, but a spokeswoman said those would be made public by the end of October.
First Midwest currently has 122 locations, 86 of which are in the six-county area. That’s the ninth largest local brick-and-mortar network.
The bank acquired Bridgeview Bank in December 2018 in a cash and stock deal valued at $145 million.
Grand opening for driver’s facility at Orland Township
Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the opening of a driver’s service facility at the Orland Township Hall located at 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park.
The driver’s service facility officially opened and began assisting residents on Sept. 21, providing express services like driver’s license and license plate renewals. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other south suburban driver’s facilities are located in Midlothian, Lockport and Bridgeview.
A first, Walnut Room taking holiday reservations
For many families, dining at the world-famous Walnut Room during the holidays is an annual tradition started when it was part of Marshall Field’s and continuing after Macy’s bought the company.
For the first time in its history, the Walnut Room this year will serve patrons on a reservation only, socially-distanced basis while the iconic Great Tree serves as the centerpiece of the holiday season in downtown Chicago.
“We’ve re-imagined the Walnut Room experience while maintaining holiday traditions near and dear to the heart of generations of Chicagoans — from the beloved items on the menu to new ways to capture a memory in front of the Great tree or make a wish with the Fairy Princess,” said Matt Sarosy, Macy’s on State Street store manager. “We are committed to providing the quality experience our customers expect as well as providing a safe and healthy dining experience, following the Centers for Disease Control and local guidelines. The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority.”
The Walnut Room’s 2020 holiday menu features a three-course meal for $49.95 with a variety of choices, including Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie, cider glazed turkey as well as Frango ice cream pie and more. A kid’s meal will also be available for $19.95 and includes a 2020 Walnut Room holiday mug.
Holiday dining in The Walnut Room will begin Nov. 7 and continue through Jan. 3. Reservations will be required in advance and must be made on OpenTable.com. All reservations require a $19.95 deposit per person that will be used toward the dining experience. Reservations are now being taken. All customers dining in the Walnut Room will also have the opportunity to walk around the Great Tree and receive a complimentary photo.
Bob Bong is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at bobbong@hotmail.com.
