Photo courtesy of Fischer's Restaurant
Fischer's Restaurant
Two long-standing establishments in the Metro-East have announced they will close their doors in early 2017, as reported by the Belleville News-Democrat.
Fischer's Restaurant—which traces its start back to 1935—in Belleville will have its final day of service February 15. The restaurant relocated to its location at 2100 W. Main in 1941 and is known for its expansive banquet and party rooms. Annette Allan and Kathy Bingheim took over operations from their father, Kenny Fischer, who died last January.
Allan says the restaurant had been struggling, and the executor of their father's will advised them to close.
"We lost some business, and we decided we just can't go on like this anymore," she says. "It's a sad day... Unfortunately, we're going in to our fourth generation. My and my sister's kids are working [here], and it's just a shame that we have to end it with the third generation."
Fischer's has become a popular destination for hosting holiday parties, wedding receptions, and community events. Allan recalled when Ronald Reagan came to the restaurant while he was running for president.
"I got to get out of school and come and meet the Reagans," she says. "We had secret service all over our building, on the roof, everywhere."
Allan expresses her gratitude for the restaurant's employees that are "like family" and the loyal customers.
"We've been talking for the last couple years that it possibly could come to this, and now it's real, and we're so sorry for the community, our customers, and all our employees," she says.
News of Fischer's Restaurant closing its doors comes after a similar announcement from Dandy Inn in Fairview Heights, Illinois, which has been open for 40 years. The Irish pub and restaurant will close after service January 15.
"We have been blessed by so many great regulars and friends over the years," the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post. "We truly appreciate every single person that has walked through our doors and have supported us over the years."
The post has nearly a thousand comments, with many Facebook users sharing memories from time spent at Dandy Inn.
"Our family, like many others, have fond memories of birthday parties, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and just stopping in for fish and cold beers over the past 40 years," writes Deb Dougherty.
