Local Restaurants Close...

Thanks to an alert reader - and diner - who notified me back in December that a couple of local restaurants (one in Wasco & one in St. Charles) had closed their doors. Here is the text of the email from DB:

Ralph, I very much enjoy your reviews.

I notice in your "Recent Closures" there was nothing to report. Unfortunately, there are two, one current and the other pending.

Hopper's Bar-B-Que in Wasco is closing today. (Not sure if they are open today or if yesterday was their last day in business.) Hopper's was by far the best BBQ joint in the far west burbs, with huge tasty portions, great variety, and a comfortable casual atmosphere. The few times I encountered Larry Hopper, the owner, he seemed like a real character (in addition to being a genuine southerner).

Sugo on the East Side of St. Charles will be closing effective the first of the year. Apparently, they are in a lease dispute with their landlord (who hasn't notice the vacated Cork and Fork right next door).

I know this because I ate at each of these establishments the last two successive Saturdays. For information on the next restaurant to close, find out where we are eating next weekend...

2009 was definitely a tough year for everyone; restaurants have struggling as well and I hope that 2010 will bring renewed strength back to the economy.

rp