'Perfect storm' causes downtown Naperville restaurant to close

After just 14 months in business, Tessa's restaurant in downtown Naperville has closed its doors.

Sunday was the last day of business for the Italian eatery run by James Bergeron, who also owns Jimmy's Grill. Private parties still will be honored through the end of August.

"It comes down to a perfect storm, be it the smoking ban, the economy taking a turn and parking downtown," Bergeron said. "I had more things happen over the last six months that (even) restaurants in the strongest states are having trouble weathering."

Tessa's opened in May 2007 serving large Italian dishes in a vintage building at 16 W. Jefferson Ave.

The restaurant, along with its furniture and equipment are now for sale and Bergeron said several people are interested.

In the meantime, he'll focus on Jimmy's Grill at 245 S. Washington St. He still has 10 years left on his lease for Jimmy's and said it's running very well.

Bergeron is also an investor in the First Community Bank of Naperville, a new venture being started by Naperville business leaders.

The decision to close Tessa's and focus on these other business projects came down to a quality-of-life issue, he said.

"Do I want to invest three years of my life at $100 a week or invest in other business things that have more potential and be able to spend more time with my family," he said.