Listings

Summary:

Rare turnkey hospitality opportunity in historic downtown Utica, IL! Acquire the furniture, fixtures, equipment and existing build-outs of two complementary hospitality venues for just $99,000 with a new $6,500/month modified gross lease covering both properties.

This exceptional offering includes a landmark 1874 bar & restaurant building plus an adjacent outdoor beer garden property, complete with existing furniture, fixtures, equipment as well as bar/restaurant/beer garden infrastructure.

The 4,448 sqft historic bar & restaurant, extensively renovated in 2019, features exposed brick, high ceilings, distinctive architectural details, a full-service bar, 24-tap draft beer system, inviting dining areas, an upstairs event space and commercial kitchen, plus a full basement with coolers, freezers and storage space. Its prominent corner location, distinctive rounded turret and vintage character create an atmosphere difficult to duplicate!

Plus, its adjacent beer garden property features a distinctive outdoor hospitality venue designed with repurposed shipping containers, custom artwork, outdoor seating and unique architectural features. This unique property offers an inviting setting for craft beverages, live entertainment and seasonal gatherings/events. Includes various seating, firepits, a stage and scenic views of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. A sought-after destination for locally crafted beers, meads and ciders, plus acoustic/rock performances and seasonal gatherings. Situated just across the street from the historic building at the same prominent corner location with its own one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Together, these two properties together create a distinctive indoor/outdoor drinking, dining and entertainment destination, just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, which welcomes ~2.4 million visitors a year.

Both venues' existing FF&E are included in the asset purchase, providing a substantial head start compared with building out a new bar, restaurant and outdoor entertainment venue from scratch.

3 Options To Acquire This Impressive Bar & Restaurant + Beer Garden

1. Buy The Business Assets - $99,000; historic freestanding building + adjacent beer garden; draft system, build-outs, FF&E, bar & restaurant trade name/goodwill (beer garden name does not convey) included and a new lease at $6,500/mth
2. Lease Fully Equipped - $6,500/mth; modified gross lease for historic freestanding building + adjacent beer garden with FF&E included in the rent (landlord owned); terms negotiable
3. Buy The Properties - $850,000; historic freestanding building + adjacent beer garden; draft system, build-outs, FF&E, bar & restaurant trade name/goodwill (beer garden name does not convey) included

Keep The Current Concepts or Bring Your Own

Plus, the flexibility to continue the existing concepts or introduce your own visions. The flexible layouts and existing infrastructures accommodate numerous bar/restaurant/entertainment concepts.

Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please complete the short Contact Form on the right or email Brian O'Kelly at Brian@eatz-associates.com or call 847-579-9641 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.

Competition:

A Destination Market With Strong Tourism Appeal

Historic Utica is a gateway to the Starved Rock region, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, weekend travelers, day-trippers and local residents seeking dining, craft beverages and entertainment.

Few opportunities combine a fully equipped historic bar and restaurant with a separate, established outdoor beer garden in the same downtown destination.

The venues complement one another, offering indoor dining and year-round hospitality alongside seasonal outdoor gatherings, live music and events.

Growth and Expansion:

Two Venues - Multiple Revenue Opportunities

- Expand restaurant operations to 7 days, capturing additional weekday visitors
- Introduce breakfast, brunch, expanded dining hours & tourist-focused menus
- Expand online ordering, takeout, packaged beverages & loyalty programs
- Host rehearsal dinners, corp events, celebrations & group outings
- Maximize beer garden operations with seasonal events, live music & private gatherings
- Cross-promote indoor dining, craft beverages & outdoor entertainment between both venues

Location:

Prime Downtown Utica – LaSalle County – Gateway To Starved Rock

Both strategically located in Utica's vibrant Mill Street dining and entertainment district, these high-visibility corner properties benefit from a highly desirable downtown setting and an established tourism economy.

Just 1.6 miles away, Starved Rock State Park is Illinois' most-visited state park. Other nearby attractions include the scenic Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, Starved Rock Lodge, Matthiessen State Park, Grand Bear Resort's indoor waterpark and more.

Also, surrounded by other popular restaurants, breweries, wineries, shops and historic attractions including August Hill Winery's tasting room.

And during warmer months, Mill Street transforms into a pedestrian-friendly outdoor dining destination, creating a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Plus, the annual Burgoo Festival brings additional crowds downtown each October.

Downtown Utica is conveniently located near IL-178 and I-80, providing accessibility for local customers and regional tourists.

And downtown Utica's retail vacancy was recently reported at 0%, highlighting the scarcity of available commercial space in this popular destination!

County: LaSalle

Facilities:

Properties: Includes both the historic 1874 building and its adjacent beer garden in downtown Utica. Two properties, one with indoor/outdoor dining and the other a substantial outdoor entertainment venue.

Historic 1874 building - ~4,448 sqft two-story freestanding building with full basement. Historic 1874 masonry building. Former Duffy’s Tavern. Substantially renovated in 2019. On 0.06 acres or 2,614 sqft. Downtown street & public parking. PIN 19-09-311-008. Class C building. Zoned C-1 Central Business District. 2025 real estate taxes $7,722.

Beer Garden - A separate, distinctive outdoor hospitality venue adjacent to the building (just across the street). 300 sqft bar structure and 4,004 sqft decking. 250 guest capacity. Built in 2021. On 0.12 acres or 5,227 sqft. Downtown street & public parking. PIN 19-08-415-015. Class C property. Zoned C-1 Central Business District. 2025 real estate taxes $4,352.

Lease: $6,500/mth modified gross; terms negotiable. Tenant responsible for increases in real estate taxes and insurance above base year.

Square Feet: 4,748 (~4,448 SqFt Building With Basement + 300 SqFt Bar Structure With 4,004 SqFt Decking).

Seating: 116 Indoor & 204 Outdoor (16 Bar + 45 Dining + 55 Event Space + 58 Outside + 146 Beer Garden).

Days/Hrs of Operation: Bar & Restaurant Mo/Th-Su 11a-8p & Fr-Sa 11a-10p (Closed Tuesdays-Wednesdays) + Beer Garden (Seasonal).

Owners Role: Absentee.

Real Estate: Owned (Owner Leasing Out).

Value of FF&E: $99,000 (Included In Asking Price).

Value of Inventory: Not Included In Asking Price.

Number of Employees: 2-3 Full-Time & 7 Part-Time.

Support/Training: Negotiable on-site comprehensive training.

Seller Financing Available: No.

Reason for Selling: Has other business interests and cannot devote the time/attention it deserves.