Fine's shifts focus to catering, closes Libertyville location

A new direction for one restaurateur in Libertyville included closing a space he has operated for nearly five years.

On April 1, Fine's, a sandwich and salad place along Milwaukee Avenue near Route 176 just south of downtown, hung the "gone fishing" sign and is changing course.

The business is now known as Fine's Catering and Concession, which is available for sporting events, festivals, carnivals, corporate pop-ups and other occasions.

"I can turn your break room into a restaurant in a half-hour," said Fine, a former commodities trader. "I serve from 11 to 1 and I pack up and leave. It's a great model."

Fine had operated for many years in Highland Park and opened in Libertyville in May 2013, replacing a Five Guys burger restaurant.

Fine's had a diner feel and nostalgic decorations and featured burgers, char dogs, chicken, wraps and other sandwiches as well as an extensive choice of salad fixings. Fine said the retail side of the businesses wasn't really a moneymaker as rent, salaries and overhead ate into the bottom line.

"I did OK, but I was robbing Peter to pay Paul," and that led to the decision to focus on catering, he said. He operates a commercial kitchen in Highland Park and is "looking to touch all areas of the North Shore and beyond," according to promotional material.

"I thought it was the best direction to go. Our doors are closed but we're still open," he said.

Fine was the food vendor for several weeks at Innovation Park Lake County (former Motorola campus) but had a falling out and shifted gears to catering and events, he said.

During his time in Libertyville, Fine hosted many nonprofit and charity events and worked with local groups.

"We're still around and we want to give back," he said.