Algonquin’s Cheeseburger in Paradise to be reborn as Fuddruckers

A favorite Randall Road eatery closed without much notice last month.

Restaurant employees learned Cheeseburger in Paradise was closing on a Friday, and two nights later, on Oct. 27, it served its last meal in Algonquin along the Randall Road corridor.

Fuddruckers, owned by the same parent company — Luby’s — as Cheeseburger in Paradise, will open in its place at 1608 S. Randall Road later this year, company representatives say.

“Algonquin is an important market for us, and we are committed to being a part of this community,” said Peter Tropoli, chief operating officer of Luby’s, in a news release. “In fact, our involvement here since purchasing Cheeseburger in Paradise is what led us to realize that the family-oriented dynamics of this location were better suited to Fuddruckers.

“Additionally, a brand swap is also allowing us to accelerate renovations of the site to provide the village with a stylish gathering place in keeping with the demographics of the community.”

Toni Niece, media relations representative for Luby’s, said fans of Cheeseburger in Paradise can get a great burger at the new restaurant, too.

Fuddruckers is known for its build-your-own burger produce bar, where you can get pretty much any topping you can imagine for your burger.

The location in Algonquin Commons will be a showcase of Fuddruckers’ new interior scheme, she said. It still will have the chain’s signature roadhouse look, but also will have a refreshed, more sophisticated design.

One offering it will have that most other Fuddruckers don’t is a full-service bar with beer, wine and specialty drinks.

Niece said she doesn’t have a specific opening date yet for the restaurant. It will depend on renovation changes, she said.

However, the restaurant is expected to open before the year’s end.

More changing eateries: While they’re not closing, two other restaurants along the Randall Road corridor in Algonquin are undergoing renovations.

The Wendy’s at 245 S. Randall, just south of Algonquin Road, is closed for renovations. It is expected to reopen this month.

Also undergoing renovations this month is Buffalo Wild Wings at 461 S. Randall. The restaurant is not closing during the renovations, but is asking patrons to put up with their “dust” while the changes are happening.

Thanksgiving tips: To help you get ready for Thanksgiving, the Crate & Barrel along the Randall Road corridor in Geneva Commons is hosting a special event this week.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, the store will feature several special demonstrations for the holiday.

You can see centerpiece demonstrations, learn how to set the holiday table, and get exclusive recipes and a planner for the holidays from the experts at Cook’s Illustrated.

You also can enter a Thanksgiving giveaway.

The event is free and open to the public.

You can stop in the store any time during the Thanksgiving event and catch some of the demonstrations.

Ÿ Amy Williams’ column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.