New Italian deli planned after East Dundee shop closes

In The Neighborhood Meet Market in East Dundee has closed and reportedly will be replaced by a new Italian deli.

Jeff Turner, who opened ITN at 310 N. River St. just a little over a year ago, said its last day was Sunday. The lease will be taken over Saturday by the owners of Blues BBQ and Grill down the street at 102 N. River St., who want to open an Italian deli that might be called Pasquale's, he said.

The East Dundee business - his third after two locations in Elgin, on Edison Avenue and at the Gail Borden Public Library - never recovered from the brutal winter, Turner said.

"It was just a business decision and a company focus decision," he said. "We love the town, we love East Dundee."

Turner said he plans to expand his catering business, and already expects to cater 40 weddings in 2015, compared to 18 this year.

Blues BBQ and Grill Co-owner Buzz Doyle and founder Patrick Maggi weren't immediately available for comment Tuesday.

"It's positive for me and my business, and it's positive for them and their business," Turner said.

Blues BBQ and Grill had its grand opening in mid-October. Doyle and his partners also own and operate the Sweet Pop Fizz Candy Bar at 316 N. River St.

"They're a great bunch of guys," Turner said.

Tom Roeser, owner of Otto Engineering in Carpentersville, owns the buildings at 102, 310 and 316 N. River St. Roeser and business broker Terry Donati were instrumental in facilitating the deal, which was "a blessing," Turner said.

Turner said he intends to continue organizing community lunches at The Depot in East Dundee, which this year included a pig roast and a "Macho Nacho Throw Down."

He might even reopen a brick-and-mortar business in town, he said. "I may be back down the road when this town explodes. Which it's going to."