Elgin pizzeria on track for recovery

New and old customers have stepped up to help an Elgin pizzeria take a step back from the brink of financial failure.

A little more than two weeks ago, Nick Sarillo — owner of Nick's Pizza and Pub in Elgin and Crystal Lake — told the Daily Herald the future of the location at Randall and Bowes roads was uncertain due to years of declining sales.

Sales at the Elgin restaurant began to slide in 2008. Until recently, the flagship store in Crystal Lake had been able to sustain both locations. However, the reliance on the Crystal Lake store became too much and the Elgin restaurant fell behind on some payments.

Since the end of September, when Sarillo sent a letter to frequent customers telling them the future was uncertain, business has picked up. Sarillo said the store has “dodged a huge bullet.”

“The immediate danger has passed and we are on the right road,” Sarillo said. “We feel great about what this community has done. They have sent a strong message to me and the team about what they expect from our company and others.”

Sarillo said sales are now 40 to 45 percent better than where they were and expects the restaurant to make payroll and catch up on mortgage payments.

Sarillo is hoping the restaurant can maintain current sales levels until the new Super Walmart across the street opens at the end of the month.

“I couldn't ask for anything more,” Sarillo said. “We are on the road to recovery.”