Long-standing Supper Club and Event Space for Sale
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Long-standing Supper Club and Event Space for Sale
Established in 1975 and relocated to its current prime Route 71 location in 1985, this iconic supper club represents an 80-year legacy of hospitality in Ottawa, IL. The business operates from a masterfully converted authentic dairy barn on 8.37 acres of improved land, strategically positioned minutes from I-80 and serving millions of annual regional tourists visiting Starved Rock area.
Facility Features:
• 15,384 total square feet including 9,984 sf restaurant, 3,600 sf retail store, and 1,800 sf shop
• Main dining accommodates 160 guests with flexible seating and booth options
• Upstairs banquet room seats 120 with wet bar, second kitchen, and dance floor
• Signature large fixed salad bar/buffet in main dining area
• Professional kitchen with walk-in refrigerator and freezer
• Newly installed 560 sf covered outdoor patio with scenic property views
• Recent 2020 upgrades: new AC units, windows, flooring, and front foyer improvements
• ADA compliant restrooms and employee facilities
• Loading dock and laundry facilities
Financial Performance:
• Annual Revenue: $1,205,590
• Cash Flow (SDE): $111,607
• FF&E Value: $100,000
• Inventory: $10,000 (included)
• Real Estate Value: $900,000 (included)
Growth Opportunities:
• Wedding and event venue potential with scenic pond and timber-framed barn
• Boutique lodging development on excess acreage
• Agritourism expansion with seasonal festivals and outdoor events
• Enhanced corporate and private event hosting
• Located within Ottawa city limits, eligible for EZ benefits
The property's unique combination of rustic charm, modern amenities, and prime tourist corridor location creates exceptional potential for expansion into wedding venues, boutique hospitality, and agritourism experiences. The business benefits from its established reputation, loyal customer base, and strategic positioning in the gateway to Starved Rock.
Owners are retiring after decades of successful operation and offer training support as negotiated. Current staff plans to remain with new ownership, ensuring operational continuity.
Financing options include conventional, SBA, and other arrangements.
Established in 1975 and relocated to its current prime Route 71 location in 1985, this iconic supper club represents an 80-year legacy of hospitality in Ottawa, IL. The business operates from a masterfully converted authentic dairy barn on 8.37 acres of improved land, strategically positioned minutes from I-80 and serving millions of annual regional tourists visiting Starved Rock area.
Facility Features:
• 15,384 total square feet including 9,984 sf restaurant, 3,600 sf retail store, and 1,800 sf shop
• Main dining accommodates 160 guests with flexible seating and booth options
• Upstairs banquet room seats 120 with wet bar, second kitchen, and dance floor
• Signature large fixed salad bar/buffet in main dining area
• Professional kitchen with walk-in refrigerator and freezer
• Newly installed 560 sf covered outdoor patio with scenic property views
• Recent 2020 upgrades: new AC units, windows, flooring, and front foyer improvements
• ADA compliant restrooms and employee facilities
• Loading dock and laundry facilities
Financial Performance:
• Annual Revenue: $1,205,590
• Cash Flow (SDE): $111,607
• FF&E Value: $100,000
• Inventory: $10,000 (included)
• Real Estate Value: $900,000 (included)
Growth Opportunities:
• Wedding and event venue potential with scenic pond and timber-framed barn
• Boutique lodging development on excess acreage
• Agritourism expansion with seasonal festivals and outdoor events
• Enhanced corporate and private event hosting
• Located within Ottawa city limits, eligible for EZ benefits
The property's unique combination of rustic charm, modern amenities, and prime tourist corridor location creates exceptional potential for expansion into wedding venues, boutique hospitality, and agritourism experiences. The business benefits from its established reputation, loyal customer base, and strategic positioning in the gateway to Starved Rock.
Owners are retiring after decades of successful operation and offer training support as negotiated. Current staff plans to remain with new ownership, ensuring operational continuity.
Financing options include conventional, SBA, and other arrangements.
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 51
- Employees
- 3 Full-time
- Facilities & Assets
- This property features 8.37 acres of improved land with 9,984 sf established supper club style restaurant, a 3,600 sf retail store, and a 1,800 shop on the parcel - along with a pond. The original 2-story barn houses much of the main restaurant and dining areas, lobby/foyer, raised floor bar area, kitchen and prep areas and back office space. There are 2 ADA restrooms on the 1st floor and 2 smaller restrooms on the 2nd floor in the banquet room. A newly installed outdoor 560 sf covered patio offers scenic views of the property and is right off of the bar and lobby areas. With seating for a comfortable 160 in the main dining areas, the upstairs banquet area hosts another 120 guests, offers a wet bar, a 2nd kitchen, fixed salad bar/buffet and small dance floor. The large, fixed salad bar/buffet that makes Hank's unique is located just off of the kitchen in the main dining area.
- Market Outlook / Competition
- Positioned right off Route 71 and minutes from I-80, you aren't just buying real estate; you are inheriting an 80-year legacy of hospitality and a front-row seat to millions of annual regional tourists. Prime location pulling tourists visiting the state parks, situated between La Salle-Peru, Marseilles, Ottawa, Streator, and Morris. With the thoughtful decor, lighting, and gift items - you're sure to enjoy a unique dining experience in the gateway to Starved Rock.
- Opportunities for Growth
- Within Ottawa's city limits, the property is eligible for EZ benefits and some city utilities.
- Weddings & Galas: Scenic pond, timber-framed barn, paved outdoor walkways could allow for a comprehensive, indoor/outdoor rustic wedding destination for Chicagoland couples looking for a Starved Rock backdrop.
- Boutique Lodging: Excess acreage surrounding the central restaurant/barn could assist in developing upscale cabins, a glamping village, or a small boutique inn to capture overnight tourist spillover from Starved Rock.
- Agritourism & Festivals: With deep local history as a "fauna sanctuary" with open acreage this site could also host seasonal fall festivals, craft beer gardens, farm-to-table outdoor dinners, or live music events capitalizing on Route 71 traffic.
Real Estate
- Owned or Leased
- Owned
- Included in asking price
- Building Sq. Ft.
- 15,384
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- Owners retiring
- Transition Support
- Owners willing to train as negotiated in a Purchase Agreement, staff plans on staying.
(continued) The main kitchen features a large walk in fridge and walk-in freezer while the back storage areas include a back office, employee restroom additional office restroom, loading dock, and laundry dock. Many recent upgrades in 2020 include new AC units, new windows on both floors, new flooring in the main floor, front foyer upgrades and the new outdoor patio. - Financing Options
- Conventional, SBA, others
Listing Info
- ID
- 2468395
- Listing Views
- 64
Attached DocumentsAttachment Disclaimer
Listing ID: 2468395 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.
Businesses for SaleIllinois Businesses for SaleIllinois Food & Beverage Businesses for SaleIllinois Restaurants Businesses for Sale
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