UPDATE: In response to the cease-and-desist order issued by the Village of Oak Park, George’s Family Restaurant made the following statement via Facebook on December 19.
“We’ve heard our local community loud and clear and would like everyone to know we are operating as a carry-out and delivery business only. We’ve been here since 1984 and would love to serve you for the foreseeable future. Help support us by ordering our fresh and delicious food.”
George’s Restaurant, 145 S. Oak Park Ave. shut its doors temporarily Dec. 9, after the village of Oak Park Public Health Department issued a one-day order of closure for failing to comply with the ban on indoor service in restaurants.
According to the closure order, Oak Park police observed customers eating inside George’s Dec. 1. Customers were seen eating inside the restaurant the following day as well, leading the village to serve the restaurant with a cease-and-desist notice, issued Dec. 2.
Police officers returned to George’s Dec. 3 to determine whether the restaurant was adhering to the indoor dining ban but were not allowed inside the premises to conduct the check.
Interim Public Health Director J.T. Terry issued the closure order Dec. 8, with the order going into effect midnight, Dec. 9 and expiring after a period of 24 hours or, as the order states, “until such time as George’s comes into compliance with this Order of Closure.”
The restaurant has since reopened for takeout service only.
Cajun Boil, 1109 South Blvd., was issued a cease-and-desist notice for indoor dining in November but it has since complied with the ban.
“I think it is interesting to note that residents have been quick to contact the village when they observe what they think may be violations of state’s order suspending on premise, indoor dining,” village spokesman David Powers told Wednesday Journal.
