Contributed photo
Contributed photo
The Grumpy Goat Tavern at the Highlands of Elgin golf course has been put out of business as Illinois' shutdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Owner Greg Shannon told the Chicago Tribune that he was hoping Illinois' stay-at-home order would be lifted, but instead it was extended through May.
When Gov. J.B. Pritzker extended the order, Shannon knew his tavern couldn't make it. He said he and his wife, Lou Gramm, decided to focus on their downtown restaurant, the Public House.
"The cost of labor and payroll and taxes and everything else was just not worth it (at the Grumpy Goat),” Shannon told the Tribune.
Shannon said carryout and delivery works for their restaurant, but wasn't doable for the Grumpy Goat. According to a report, rent for the tavern was $54,000 a year and the lease was set to end in December.
“I understand Greg’s position," Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain told the Tribune. "It’s a time of survival for him... He’s a smart businessman and he thought this was the best decision for him.”
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