Loukinens’ on 4th Closure and Real Estate Listing: What’s Next for the Springfield Dining Spot?

2024-02-16 13:34:41

Natalie Morris
 |  Special to the State Journal-Register

Loukinens’ on 4th closed unexpectedly Tuesday with owners Keith and Laurie Loukinen calling the situation “temporary” in the social media post released the same day as the closure.

However, a reopening with the Loukinens at the helm of their namesake dining establishment is in question with the business and property at 517 S. Fourth St. listed with The Real Estate Group for an asking price slightly north of $1.5 million.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control … we are sad to announce that Loukinens’ on 4th will temporarily close until further notice,” the Feb. 13 posts on Loukinens’ on 4th’s website and Facebook page read.

“We sincerely apologize to our patrons who have reservations and events booked with us. We look forward to serving you once more very soon.”

Chef Keith Loukinen declined further comment.

The listing on the realty company’s website describes an “exceptional opportunity to own an upscale restaurant in downtown Springfield, Ill. Loukinens’ offers menu options that are designed to delight your eyes and stimulate your palate” and goes on to specify that “the sale now includes all of the art work found throughout the building.”

The 8,389-square-foot, two-story building that sits across from the Illinois Governor’s Mansion was built in 1963.

The building, the former home to another beloved downtown dining spot, Arturo’s, had been vacant several years before the Loukinens purchased the building in 2017 and began a complete renovation. The restaurant opened in the fall of 2017.

Loukinens’ on 4th was the couple’s first restaurant.

However, their resumes combined had 25 years experience in the dining industry and Keith’s reputation was well established in the local dining scene following eight years as the director of food and beverage at the Wyndham Springfield. In that role, he helped create the feel and flavor of two of the hotel’s former culinary staples: Nick & Nino’s Penthouse Steakhouse and the Grille at City Centre.

New brunch menu

Casa Real Cantina & Grill introduced new weekend brunch hours and menu.

Beginning this weekend, the Mexican restaurant in Legacy Pointe Town Center is opening two hours earlier on Saturdays and Sundays to coincide with the new brunch menu selections.

Owner Jose Lopez said the new menu infuses Mexican flavors with more traditional brunch selections.

“We always wanted to provide new experiences to Casa Real patrons and brunch is a great way to do that,” Lopez said. “Plus we have a new chef from Tampico, Mexico who took on this challenge, as well as updating our catering and banquet menus.”

Brunch selections range from dulce de leche pancakes to a chorizo omelet, agave French toast to avocado toast.

Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Then Casa Real will transition to its regular menu until close.

Chef Bernardo Golderama joined the Casa Real staff in January.

Golderama also has overseen expanding Casa Real’s catering options from taco and fajita bars to full buffets or sit down menus.

The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closings, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at 217/737-7254 or by email at [email protected].

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