Ann Sather Diner to Relocate to Former Stella’s Diner in Lakeview

Less than two weeks after unveiling a new flagship location between East Village and Wicker Park, Ann Sather, famous for its sizable cinnamon rolls, revealed plans to return to Lakeview. This move will see the diner set up in the building formerly occupied by Stella’s Diner, which recently closed. Tom Tunney, Ann Sather’s proprietor and former Alderman, expressed gratitude towards Lakeview, having closed the Belmont Avenue establishment after 81 years there earlier this summer.

The decision to move into Stella’s follows weeks of closure due to a failed city health inspection, yet Tunney emphasized that negotiations were ongoing for years. “Years ago, Marvin Barsky, the owner of Stella’s, suggested I buy the place,” said Tunney, noting the presence of another Ann Sather outlet nearby on Broadway. The closure of the Broadway and Roscoe location is attributed to the lease expiry rather than the health inspection issues Stella’s faced.

“The issue was the expiration of my lease at Broadway and Roscoe and having a void in Lakeview,” Tunney stated.

Stella’s prior health inspection revealed over 50 trapped cockroaches and other infractions. It was permitted to reopen after rectifying these issues. Meanwhile, Ann Sather’s integration into Stella’s site will involve renovations including enhancements to the century-old building.

Tunney intends to close the Broadway location by year-end. “We aim to execute a thorough clean-up and collaborate on structural adjustments with our landlord,” he said, detailing plans to open within eight weeks.

Ann Sather recently moved its Belmont Avenue branch to a former Yolk site at 1819 W. Division St. This move resulted from the sale of the existing Belmont property to developers planning a new building there. Many staff members from Stella’s may find roles in the new venture, with Tunney recognizing their customer service acumen. “Some may rue the closure of Stella’s or Ann Sather on Belmont, but we strive to satisfy all,” he commented.

Stella’s Diner, closed since early July due to pest issues, sits vacant. Owner Marvin Barsky could not be reached but acknowledged via Instagram, “I accept full responsibility.” Barsky also runs Lakeview’s The Bagel Restaurant and Deli, which faced a similar situation but reopened after overcoming its failed inspection.

Once operational in Stella’s old space, Ann Sather will total four locations, at least through year-end. The Belmont restaurant relocated several times over its 81-year history. Ann Sather originally launched the business in 1945 as the Swedish Diner before renaming it in 1955.

In related news, West Loop’s brunch spot Wishbone announced its permanent closure. “There’s no easy way to part with something central to our lives,” stated Joel and Julie Nickson on Instagram. After 36 years, Wishbone aims to serve guests until August’s end, famously known for Southern-style dishes attracting many, including Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios crew.