Houlihan’s shutters downtown location

By Shanti Nagarkatti | Community Contributor

Houlihan’s announced last month that it has closed its downtown location on Upper Wacker Drive, in the Illinois Center.

The reason for the closure was not immediately clear. “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” the restaurant posted on its Facebook page, “We have closed our doors for good and want to thank each and every one of you for all the great memories.”

Leawood Kansas-based Houlihan’s Restaurants, Inc. still operates six suburban Illinois locations in Algonquin, Geneva, Naperville, Orland Park, Park Ridge, and Wheaton. A sign posted on a locked door invited patrons to visit these other outposts.

Long a feature on the Pedway’s dining map, Houlihan’s appeared to have been doing a thriving business for breakfast buffets, happy hours, and everything in between in the weeks and days leading up to the closure. During spring and summer, a sidewalk patio provided a prime vantage point for people-watching and enjoying a beverage or two. Its proximity to nearby hotels and offices ensured a steady stream of foot traffic. The establishment was highlighted in this publication as a Thanksgiving dinner option for diners who wanted to leave the food preparation and dishwashing to someone else.

Among the patrons surprised by the restaurant’s closure is Josh Tamlin. “The food was always good and they had great deals. The decor was pretty cool, with an awesome fish tank up front and plenty of TVs to watch sporting events,” he said.

A glance through the windows reveals a vacant, darkened interior with stacks of tagged, numbered dishware; kitchen items; dining room furnishings; and miscellaneous odds and ends that are going up for auction on January 6, 2016. Also on the auction block is a variety of memorabilia, including a football signed by Mike Ditka, a Marilyn Monroe bust, RCA Nipper statue, a seven-foot-long wooden swordfish, and several vintage metal signs.

Bob King Auctions, specializing in commercial auctions, appraisals, and liquidation services, has posted a list of auction items, with photos, on its website. Anyone who wishes to take part in the auction must register and provide a bidder’s card and $200 refundable cash deposit. No one under sixteen years of age is allowed on the premises for safety reasons.

Plans for the former Houlihan’s space are unknown at press time. The company could not be reached for comment.