A Community Celebration of Paul’s Family Restaurant

Paul’s Family Restaurant, a longstanding establishment in Elgin, was celebrated for its 65th anniversary on Friday. Approximately 75 friends, family members, and local leaders gathered at the restaurant, located at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and McLean Boulevard, to mark this significant milestone.

“This is an institution,”

state Sen. Cristina Castro declared, reading an Illinois Senate proclamation honoring the restaurant.

“We need to celebrate, cherish it, and keep it safe. It’s like coming home to your family.”

A Legacy of Success and Continuity

Elaine Paul, the current owner of the restaurant, listened as state Sen. Castro spoke of her fond memories of the establishment. Mayor David Kaptain remarked that while most restaurants might only last two years, “if you last five years, you’re an institution,” emphasizing the remarkable longevity and success of Paul’s over six decades.

John and Stella Paul, Greek immigrants, founded the restaurant in 1961, initially calling it Douglas Coffee Shop. With just $200, they opened a small eatery on Division Street. The restaurant later moved to its current location. In the mid-1990s, their daughter, Elaine, took ownership to keep the business in the family. Elaine pursued higher education but returned to manage the family legacy.

Reflecting on Family and Challenges

Stella Paul passed away in 2015, and John Paul, at 97, recently faced health challenges, including a cancer diagnosis. Despite this, Elaine remains committed to honoring her parents’ legacy, stating that managing the restaurant has been “a labor of love.” Business has been challenging since the pandemic, but Elaine emphasizes the importance of continuing the work her parents began and her pride in their accomplishments.