Editorial: Camaraderie among competitors helps downtown Palatine bar reopen after fire

Misfortune for one business often means an opportunity for another in the daily grind to attract customers and improve the bottom line.

But something unique and refreshing has happened in Palatine after a recent fire at Durty Nellie's forced the closing of one of the village's most popular and iconic businesses - two competitors have stepped up to help.

JL's Pizza and Sports Bar and Lamplighter Inn Tavern and Grille will provide food sales that will allow Durty Nellie's to meet Palatine's food-service requirement so it can serve liquor while work continues to repair the bar's damaged kitchen.

Patrons can order off the menus from JL's and Lamplighter, and Durty Nellie's employees will get the food and bring it back to their customers.

"The outpouring of support has been phenomenal," Durty Nellie's co-owner James Dolezal told our Bob Susnjara last week. "It really kind of re-instills your faith. Man, it's been unbelievable."

Credit also goes to Palatine village officials, who approved the deal that allows a temporary amendment to the bar's liquor license so Durty Nellie's can operate.

Durty Nellie's is a top entertainment draw that brings a lot of customers to downtown Palatine. JL's and Lamplighter fill somewhat different customer niches and the three don't necessarily compete head-to-head. However, the fact that both businesses stepped up to help a fellow company in need speaks highly of the camaraderie and common goal to attract customers to the vibrant downtown district. Kudos to all involved in making it happen.

Things looked bleak for Durty Nellie's on Jan. 25, when a natural gas-fueled fire started in the kitchen of the building at 180 N. Smith St. Cooks and bar cleaning employees were evacuated and no one was hurt, but severe damage was done.

The main pub area sustained more extensive water and smoke damage than initially believed, so it is being renovated. The work includes replacing the bar, the floor, beverage service lines and televisions.

Durty Nellie's officials, who have been working feverishly to reopen by March 9, have had to cancel or reschedule all music shows, including an all-ages performance by Disney cover band The Little Mermen, as well as fundraisers and other private events.

What was termed by village officials as the "unique" arrangement between Durty Nellie's, JL's and Lamplighter will last until Durty Nellie's 2018-19 liquor license expires June 30. Mayor Jim Schwantz said he appreciated the flexibility by all involved.

"Establishments downtown helping each other out shows the uniqueness of what we have downtown, which is awesome," he said.

We couldn't agree more.