Vonachen’s Old Place (VOP), a staple in Peoria for over 50 years at 5934 N. Knoxville Ave., will close by the end of this year.
Alexis Khazzam, owner of Junction Ventures, and Steve Shaw, Executive Vice President of Mercedes Restaurants which operates VOP, both confirmed that Mercedes has elected not to renew their lease for another five years at Junction City.
They also denied rumors that VOP was being forced out (e.g., through higher lease rates) to make way for a chain restaurant. Shaw said that it was “simple economics” that led their company to decide to close the restaurant, citing the competitiveness of the marketplace, the high price of gas, and the general decline in people eating out. Khazzam said he is still committed to the front side of Junction City being all locally-owned businesses, whereas the new portion currently under construction to the south will include chain stores. Junction Ventures has only begun discussing what will replace VOP.
Whether the restaurant will be able to stay open until the end of the year is unclear. Shaw said that the employees have all been notified that the restaurant will be closing, so they’re all free to look for other jobs. The restaurant may close before the end of the year if they no longer have enough employees to stay open.
Shaw said they tried to get some new energy in the restaurant when they changed from VOP to Bud’s Aged Steaks in 2005. The community didn’t embrace that change, and the restaurant was changed back to VOP in Fall 2006. Shaw said he was disappointed the restaurant will be closing.
Mercedes Restaurants also owns and will continue to operate Alexander Steakhouse restaurants in Peoria, Springfield, Normal, and Champaign.
That blows. Let’s just get rid of all places that make Peoria unique and put chain eateries in their place.
Sadly, Conrad, this is a case of “give the people what they want”. Drive by a Culvers or Chili’s and see it.
This news really comes as no surprise. Back in mid June on a Saturday night we arrived promptly for our 8:15 reservation. There was only one other couple there and they left shortly thereafter. In spite of being alone we stayed. About the time we were served our prime rib another couple arrived. That was it for a Saturday night! On the way out I peeked in the bar and saw 5 patrons. I’ll be surprised that Mercedes keeps it open until year end.
VOP never changed their menus and never really did even when they became Bud’s. The same stuff and same specials every visit. That’s why we quit going to VOP’s.