Embers Goes Up in Smoke After Less Than Six Months

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.