Arlington Heights' Circa 57 diner closes, building to be sold
The Circa 57 diner that featured 1950s memorabilia and classic American dishes closed suddenly Tuesday after two years in downtown Arlington Heights.
Owners Anthony and Kimberly Priola have told about 20 employees that they would lose their jobs. The building is for sale.
"Kimberly and I have had to make the hard decision that given the current performance of the restaurant and our forecasted projection of revenue and expenses, it is in the best interest of Circa 57, our business partnerships and our family to close the doors at Circa 57," said Anthony Priola.
The restaurant opened in 2013 after the Priolas renovated the former People's Bank, 10 S. Vail, and the former Grand Station eatery, 101 W. Campbell. It included a 1957 Buick Special and a 1957 kitchen of the future, among other items from the era.
The diner featured popular '50s dishes, including chicken potpie, meatloaf and hamburgers.
Priola said he had some potential buyers for the restaurant, but no decisions have been made.
He also has contracted with Transwestern, which has offices in Schaumburg, and with Sperry Van Ness in Wheeling to sell the building, he said.