Yes, the Elgin Bennigan's is still open
The telephone at Bennigan's Grill and Tavern in Elgin rang off the hook Wednesday, with more than 50 callers asking whether the eatery was still open.
The answer?
A resounding yes.
It was business as usual at the Elgin restaurant that's connected to the Holiday Inn on Route 31, with regulars either sipping their afternoon beers or chowing down on sandwiches that have become the chain's trademark pub grub.
This came a day after the national Bennigan's chain abruptly filed for bankruptcy and closed all of the restaurants it owned directly.
Franchise locations, like the Irish-themed pub in Elgin, were not affected.
"They just said 'Don't worry about it, we're still open,' " said Alfredo Marin, a manager at the Elgin location.
And officials there intend to let the world know they can continue feeding their inner leprechaun in Elgin.
Besides posting a red and white banner sign on Route 31 that proclaims, "Yes, we're still open," authorities have posted signs on the Crystal Lake location directing them to Elgin and are planning a future marketing blitz, Marin said.
Drivers already know to keep delivering food and drink to the eatery as well, Marin said.
And although its computers can't accept gift cards from other Bennigan's, the Holiday Inn location is offering a sweet deal for those bringing them in - 20 percent off the check or a free appetizer to compensate for the inconvenience,
"We always do something," Marin said.
Wednesday, the restaurant welcomed Marilyn and Don VanThournout, Elgin residents who are transplants from St. Charles.
The married couple of 52 years, made a pit stop at that Bennigan's to fuel up before spending the afternoon shopping at Spring Hill Mall.
They also were regulars at the Bennigan's in Batavia and St. Charles before they shut down for good Tuesday.
Although they're thankful the Elgin location remained open, the chain's closure caught the couple off guard.
"We're sad it's closing because they have good food," Marilyn VanThournout said.