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Grandma Sally's in Naperville up for sale 6 months after fire

A long-standing pancake house in Naperville that was hit by a fire during the summer now is up for sale.

Grandma Sally's Family Restaurant, a waffle and pancake house at 450 E. Ogden Ave., is on the market for about $1 million.

Simeon Spirrison, a commercial real estate agent with Adelphia Properties in Oak Brook, said the 4,400-square-foot building on three-quarters of an acre has received interest from other potential restaurant buyers, including fast-casual chains, national sit-down restaurants and independent eateries.

The three partners who owned the restaurant and operated it in Naperville for roughly 30 years decided early this year to put the property up for sale, Spirrison said.

"They made a decision that they've been opened up there for 30-plus years and it's time to move on," he said.

A fire broke out in the restaurant about 2:15 a.m. July 18; firefighters said it caused an estimated $400,000 in damage.

The owners originally told longtime customers that they intended to fix the damage and reopen, but they didn't know how long repairs would take. They reimbursed customers who were holding gift certificates and fenced in the property but posted signs saying "Temporarily closed ... We will see you soon!"

Spirrison said the owners spent the months after the fire working with their insurance company before deciding to sell the building.

"The building is in good condition; that's why the building has not been torn down," Spirrison said.

Fire damage remains in the rear of the restaurant, where the kitchen was located and where the fire started.

On the morning of the fire last summer, customers arrived as usual looking for breakfast specials and other favorites such as baked apple pancakes, egg skillets, waffles and homemade cheesecake. Fans continued to post on the restaurant's Facebook page as recently as Jan. 3, asking if Grandma Sally's was going to reopen.

Spirrison said he has known the owners, who are West suburban residents, for several years and they have "been through a lot." Six months after the fire, they now want to close on the sale.

"We've had several inquiries," Spirrison said. "We hope to get it wrapped up soon."

Tears, hugs and prayers after fire ravages Naperville restaurant

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