Berwyn staple FitzGerald's up for sale

Iconic musical destination FitzGerald's Nightclub in Berwyn is for sale, employees say.

Owner Bill Fitzgerald recently announced the sale of the club, known for its legendary selection of zydeco, country, swing, folk and bluegrass performers. For nearly four decades, he has led as the musical talent buyer, the person who books the bands to come and play for the club's shows.

Located on Roosevelt Road, the listing includes the club itself, buildings on either side that are home to Capri Ristorante, apartments, FitzGerald's SideBar and a paved lot, according to reports.

Donnie Biggins of River Forest took over for Fitzgerald in May as the club's talent buyer. He hopes a new owner will carry on Fitzgerald's tradition.

"It's a historic place to be, and it's too important to Chicago and Berwyn to leave or be called something else, I think," he said.

Biggins grew up around the corner from FitzGerald's and has played there periodically throughout the past 10 years with his band, The Shams Band. Now the owner of The Tonic Room in Lincoln Park, Biggins hopes to stay on at FitzGerald's, regardless of an ownership change, and carry on the musical traditions the FitzGerald family has long established.

"No one wants to see it go anywhere. The FitzGeralds don't want to see it go anywhere either," he said. "I don't think they want a buyer to come in and change it all up. I think they want to see their legacy continue on, and that's what I want to see and carry on."