First reported 7/16/2009 2:29 p.m.
A fine-dining stalwart in Oak Park is closing this weekend for renovations and will reopen in the fall with a more casual style to respond to the slumping fancy-plate market.
Philander’s, in the Carleton Hotel since 1979, will emerge from its cocoon this fall with what the hotel’s general manager, Robert Biegler, calls a fresh concept and style. The changes are necessary, according to Biegler, because the economy is taking its toll on restaurants such as Philander’s.
“You hear this in the news all the time, on how fine dining establishments are just dying. That was certainly the case with us,” Biegler said.
He declined to give the costs or the specifics of the renovation. The white-tablecloth restaurant, known for aged steaks, lobster soup and premium wines, will be making changes to lower the average bill. Entrée prices now range from $17 to $42.
“People are more price-conscious these days,” Biegler said. “So our menu will certainly reflect those concerns.” Opening for lunch some days of the week is also being considered.
Responsible for the new look will be Aria Group Architects of Oak Park, the firm that designed the interiors of Maya Del Sol, on Oak Park Avenue, and of Sushi House, on Lake Street.
Mike Fox, owner of the hotel and restaurant, says they hope to have plans finalized and submitted to the village within 30 days. Philander’s has been considering a transformation for the past four or five years. They considered staying in the fine-dining business, but that became untenable with the drop in the industry.
“That’s not going to come back anytime soon,” Fox said. “We’re sad to see it go, we all are. But you can’t fight the customer trends.”
They also plan to change the restaurant’s name, according to Fox. It was named after Philander Barclay, an Oak Park photographer who documented the village’s early years.
Philander’s last day of business with the current look and menu will be July 25. Starting on July 27, the bar, which is off the hotel lobby, will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The bar will have a limited menu with such items as blackened tilapia, steak sandwiches and burgers.
Biegler said the Carleton, which has owned the restaurant since 2000, will provide more details about the renovation as plans are solidified.
“We’re just hoping to get the word out and let everyone know, and we’re excited that this is happening,” he said. “Philander’s has been a staple in town for a long time, but with the current trend in the restaurant industry, this is a good time for us to go ahead with this.”
CONTACT: mstempniak@wjinc.com
