Embers Goes Up in Smoke After Less Than Six Months
The restaurant, which catered to families while still drawing college students, has closed.
When Embers Fire & Smoke opened last fall, its owners hoped to draw an older clientele seeking a quieter atmosphere, while still catering to the younger college crowd.
Regardless of expectations, after less than six months, Embers Fire & Smoke has been snuffed out. According to the restaurant's Facebook page, which as of Wednesday was still active, Embers closed on Feb. 18. On Feb. 17, the last status post for Embers Facebook was, "Great day to share a bottle of wine... Half-off today at Embers!"
Embers was frequently a busy spot for diners and night owls, and its closing took many by surprise. Right up until the end, Embers was advertising drink specials and a performance by its regular musician, Johnny Don't, on Valentine's Day.
The restaurant had taken over the former Charlie’s location, at 122 S. York St., last fall. Charlie's closed just a few weeks before Embers opened Sept. 25.
In January, the restaurant, which touted itself as "Elmhurst’s only barbecue location," was featured on a segment of ABC7’s Hungry Hound, with food critic Steve Dolinsky.
The Embers venture was led by Executive Chef Tom Eckert, and partner and General Manager Chris Dodsworth. The men grew up together in Naperville.
A call to Eckert seeking comment on the restaurant’s closing was not returned. A call to the business was attempted, but the phone number has been "temporarily disconnected," according to a message. But, as of Wednesday, the restaurant's website was still up.
Back in September, Eckert told Elmhurst Patch the restaurant was a new concept for the location.
"(Embers) is much more family friendly," he said. "We're heavily focused on food. I'm sure we'll still draw the college crowd on the weekend—and we want to. The main difference is, we're trying to focus on dinner … and we're much more focused on parties and catering."
Have a business tip? Share it with Business Editor Mary Ann Lopez at maryl@patch.com.
Vincent Russell
5:21 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
When you don't own the real estate, it is tough to make a restaurant work. Nice try, though. Need to reconfigure the bar and convert upstairs to office space or apartments.
D L
7:29 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
It sure seemed doomed to fail being open for dinner only and closed on Sunday's. That's not enough open hours to survive. I also think there was a lot of negativity from Charlie's "trying" to be a Big City Bar that Elmhurst just wasn't ready for, and for NOT making any friends with the residents surrounding the place. Just an opinion.
Loretta
7:59 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
I sure miss McNally's . . .
B Rush
6:21 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
miss McNally's too
Valerie Dieling
8:11 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
I am sorry to see it close, but not surprised. I went 3 times and while the burgers were tasty, they were not anything special. the prices were too high for the size portions you received on dinners. If you are going to have a BBQ platter, then it needs to come with more than one TINY side. I feel how they presented the food was their downfall.
Ellafitz
3:36 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
I was great when it was Charlie's. The food was way better. They should have left well enough alone!
Laura D
3:38 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
I miss the German deli and restaurant, I think it was called Heidleberg.
D L
4:36 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Good memory WLA. I grew up here and that was a great place. I do however miss McNally's. The food was very good, and the place was friendly and inviting. Can't say the same about Charlies or Embers. Oh Well......
CheKeroauc
4:58 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Looks like a doomed location. I doubt very much if another restaurant will attempt to open in that space.
The Smiths
5:45 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Our review from
9:29 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 (read the whole review in Dining section of the patch)
When it was Charlie's we gave it 4/5 stars. The place had a lot of promise. We had dinner or drinks there every month. However...Last Fall the owners gave it a makeover. Renamed it Embers. The menu has changed and is pretty limited. They took a real step back...The place just has this cold empty feel to it... Embers seemed to have cut a lot of corners and some of the previous good qualities are gone. Below average experience. Will not be back. Predict that at this rate they will not be open at this time next year.
Jim Court
9:42 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Does the community truly have enough disposable income to support all of theses restaurants? What elements in downtown make us a destination of choice?
I am not sure if I know the answer. Any ideas.
Elle M
12:05 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
I agree with The Smiths. I was in Embers just once and told myself I'd not go back. Cold food and blah atmosphere.
I think we no more restaurants and we need special places that women like me can shop locally. I will stay in walking distance but I need places to walk to.
elle
Greg Owens
8:44 pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2013
I think the problem may be the location. It is so far removed from the central business district. Had it been located there it might have fared better. Here's hoping the Snuggery does better.