Post #764299 by AceExplorer on Fri, May 27, 2016 10:54 AM

Once again, in case my meaning wasn't clear earlier --

So the building (and the new operator) lost their talent. But that talent can relocate and thrive elsewhere, free from all the family ties and BS. Try to harness the enthusiasm and affection for the place and try to move up (or sideways at least) to help keep the Chef's tiki flame burning brightly in the Chicago area. Can Duane and Betty take a break, then look around with the help of their fans, and find a new place?

I know that's much easier said than done, but since the news is so new, and more outcries are coming, it would be great if you could coalesce it and redirect the energy to something as positive and constructive as possible. Help out another existing venue and resurrect or "plus" something that is already there? Find and create a new venue from scratch, maybe at another abandoned restaurant site where the landlord is desperate to fill unused restaurant space? Or maybe start building a fan list and simply organize a Fong Fest of your own every six months?

You've still got some momentum right now, and you've got memories. Try to avoid letting that momentum fade, keep the memories alive, and encourage Duane and Betty to do some brainstorming and see what they might be up for. Maybe they can come up with something they can do together with the tiki community -- not overnight, but over time, with love and care.

I'm taking a longer-term view. All is not lost. Nobody died, fortunately. Other businesses and other available real estate exists, so you still have talent and enthusiasm which might be able to find a new home.

Hang in there, don't give up, you're in a major population center and there are options.