The carousel ride that is the restaurant scene in Champaign-Urbana shows no signs of slowing down. One opens here, another closes there. But lately it seems there have been more openings than closings.
So we decided to develop a scorecard. Here it is; add your two cents in the comments. Of course, we never like to see local businesses close and people lose jobs; we’re not celebrating the closings, just reporting on them. Oh, and we’re generally leaving Campustown out of this, since restaurants open and close there as the wind blows. But we’re happy to consider them. (Check out other recent comings and goings here.)
Local closings:
Who: Nitaya Thai
When: Late October
What happened: Sold to owners of a new restaurant.
Who will miss it: Nitaya Thai was mentioned on our Readers Recommend post of favorite Thai restaurants, so there was a loyal following.
Any hope for the future: No, but see below for news on what’s going into this space.
Local openings (or coming soon):
Who: The Himalayan Chimney
When: TBA
Description: Its Facebook page says it is a “local Indian bistro serving a variety of delicious menu items ranging from the pristine Himalayas to the warm tropical south.”
Kids menu? No indication yet.
Where: 134 W. Church St., Champaign, in the space formerly occupied by Nitaya Thai.
Why we’re excited: Too early to say for certain, but it appears to offer a unique menu for Central Illinois palates.
Who: Marco’s Pizza
When: Mid-December
Description: Marco’s bills itself as “authentic Italian pizza.” The chain was founded by a native Italian and is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. The menu includes subs, wings and desserts. Carryout and delivery.
Kids menu? It’s pizza. Duh.
Where: 1901 S. Philo Road, Urbana
Why we’re excited: Nothing wrong with another pizza option in C-U, especially on that side of town.
Who: Portillo’s
When: Some time in 2017
Description: Portillo’s is a favorite of Chicagoans, known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and chocolate cake.
Kids menu? Not specifically, but the menu is so wide-ranging that kids likely won’t have trouble finding something to eat.
Where: The building is under construction on the site of the former Hometown Buffet on North Prospect Avenue in Champaign.
Why we’re excited: Many from Chicago swear by it. We’re eager to see if the reputation holds true among Central Illinoisans.
Who: Taco John’s
When: TBA. Was supposed to open in December.
Description: It’s a fast food chain specializing in burritos, nachos and — you guessed it — tacos. Serves breakfast.
Kids menu? No
Where: 902 Meijer Dr., Champaign (adjacent to Carmike 13).
Why we’re excited: We’re told people love the hot sauce.
Who: Giordano’s
When: Mid-January
Description: Chicago-style pizza that has a reputation in its hometown of Chicago as being one of the best chain pizza joints in town.
Kids menu? Yes
Where: Market Place Mall food court.
Why we’re excited: Deep dish pizza in C-U could use the variety, especially if you’re not a fan of Papa Del’s or Rosati’s.
Who: Hamilton Walker’s
When: December
Description: High-end steakhouse — the kind of place where they sell premium cigars in the bar.
Kids menu? Yes
Where: 201 N. Neil St., Champaign
Why we’re excited: Downtown Champaign is starting to check all of the boxes for the restaurant scene.
Who: Scotty’s Brewhouse
When: December
Description: A menu that includes just about everything, a setting that has dozens of TVs, and a wide variety of crafts brews.
Kids menu? Yes
Where: 2001 S. Neil St., Champaign (Carriage Crossing)
Why we’re excited: The huge menu figures to suit many, it’s a great place to watch a ballgame, and there’s even a neat area for young kids to play.
Who: Pie’s the Limit
When: Construction in progress
Description: Fast-casual pizza chain that’s based in Springfield. Includes specialty salads and bow-tie pastas.
Kids menu? No
Where: Village at the Crossing, in the old Papa Del’s space
Why we’re excited: Pie’s the Limit fits into the mold of Za’s or, to a lesser extent, Brixx.
Who: Kohinoor Indian Restaurant
When: November
Description: Local, family-owned and managed restaurant that serves authentic Indian food.
Kids menu? No
Where: 6 E. Columbia Ave., Champaign (formerly Escobar’s)
Why we’re excited: The Ghimire family started Sitara Indian Restaurant in Urbana, which many think is top-notch Indian food.
