Pioneering Libertyville restaurant closing, but space won't be empty long

One of the pioneers of what has become a vibrant restaurant scene in downtown Libertyville will be shutting down, but its space won't be empty for long.

When 545 North Bar & Grill debuted more than 12 years ago, the foodie landscape in downtown Libertyville was sparse.

Indeed, the conversion of the former Karnes Music store was a spark for the diverse range of eateries that exists today.

"You were the first to commit to an urban style and vibe to a suburban location," local architect Bob Bleck. "That set the tone for many that followed."

Bleck, who worked on that project and other downtown restaurants since, was commenting on a Facebook post by 545 saying Nov. 4 will be its last day in business.

In the announcement, 545's operators cited kids' growing up and full schedules for their bittersweet decision to sell. However, as their chapter closes Nov. 5, a new one will begin the next day.

The new arrival will be called Burnsies Uptown and is billed as a modern take on small, urban deli/sandwich joints.

In fact, co-owner John Durning, who opened Pizzeria DeVille a block south nearly five years ago, said the new venture will complete a boyhood memory.

"Pizza and New York delis are the two things I missed when I moved here," he said.

He and business partner Steve Burns plan to differentiate themselves with high-quality grab-and-go offerings not currently available downtown.

"It's something unique and it's filling a need," Burns said. "It will create a market."

The menu will feature freshly baked biscuits, bagels delivered daily from New York Bagel & Bialy, acai bowls, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as deli/diner-style breakfast and lunch entrees and sandwiches. At night, the fare will shift to gourmet burgers and bar choices and menu selections touted as not having been seen in Libertyville to date.

Social media will play a big part in attracting customers, according to Burns, and will include a "robust" phone app geared to high school students and Metra commuters. Students will be recruited as "menu ambassadors," he added.

"We're going to incorporate a really good cross-section of kids representative of (Libertyville High School) and the community," he said. "Kids aren't going to drive the whole businesses, but they're going to have an influence."

Burns, a corporate executive, is an investor and "active collaborator" in the business, but he's leaving day-to-day operations to Durning, who has built a following on customer service and a family environment.

The Libertyville resident said he has had offers to bring Pizzeria DeVille to other towns but wants to stick close to home.

He began pursuing the deli idea in earnest with the closing of Bagels by the Book in June and was considering that location in a strip mall south of downtown. However, that didn't materialize, and Bagels by the Book recently reopened.

Durning said a lease for 545 will be signed Nov. 5, with an opening expected in early 2019.