Prairie Rock closes its doors Saturday

After 13 years in Elgin, Prairie Rock Bar and Grill will serve its last pint of beer on Saturday.

Mike Origer, Prairie Rock's founder, said the brewery was losing money and he wanted to focus on his core business of real estate development.

He said Prairie Rock is in a great location now, but increased competition on Randall Road and years of downtown construction hurt in the long run.

"Our customers I'm sure got tired of trying to find a place to park. It's gorgeous now, but our customers decided to go to different places and never came back," Origer said. "We have a loyal following, but not enough to sustain a business."

Manager Julie Komperda said she and the other 17 employees were surprised to learn the bad news on Wednesday.

"We are appreciative to all our customers and all of our patrons who came to support us over the years," she said.

The restaurant and brewery at 127 S. Grove Ave. opened on Oct. 31, 1995.

Over the years, city officials threw their weight and money behind Prairie Rock, hoping it could be a cornerstone in the redevelopment of downtown. The city gave it a $220,000 incentive to open the $1.5 million location.

In 2001, business slowed and the owners focused on the pub area. Restaurant officials received a $134,000 city grant to help them stay afloat.

In May 2004, owners unveiled a concept called the Prairie Street Chophouse, where diners could grill their own steaks and seafood and bake their own bread. But that venture lasted only a year.

Origer said he has repaid all the money owed and is appreciative of city support. He is undecided on whether to sell or lease the 17,000-square-foot building, but believes it's ripe for a new concept.

"It's a great spot for a restaurant," he said. "It's just time for a change."

Saturday's shuttering of the pub will mark the end of Prairie Rock in the suburbs. The proprietors operated a second location in Schaumburg from 1998, but it closed March 1, 2007.