Ann Sather's on Belmont - Changing location

Friends of mine had breakfast at Ann Sather's on Belmont Ave. yesterday, and afterwards told me that yesterday was the last day of operation in that location. The restaurant is relocating 1/2 block east (on the same side of the street), in a much smaller stroefront location. The re-opening of the restaurant is said to be "imminent".

Considering Tom Tunney owns almost every building on that block, I wonder what prompted the move.

Tom Tunney sold the previous location for a cool $2.2 million.

Fujisan wrote:Tom Tunney sold the previous location for a cool $2.2 million.

I was told that he intended to eventually own every building in that area.
I guess it was time to cash out.

johnny wrote:I was told that he intended to eventually own every building in that area.

By who, your barber? Barbers always have the best information.

This is my humorous way of saying lets get back to matters culinary, not real estate

Can anyone here explain the appeal of Ann Sathers in the first place? I went for breakfast once and I actually thought it was kind of nasty. The cinnamon buns are ok, but honestly not that much better than what you can get at the airport.

jesteinf wrote:Can anyone here explain the appeal of Ann Sathers in the first place?

I can't. I've never had anything more than an average breakfast from their various locations.

I've known Tom for a long time; he's a very hard worker and turned the restaurant into a nice franchise. My impression has been that, for a long time now, the restaurant has survived by living on it's prior reputation. It's a tradition to eat there, for the neighborhood. Add to the tradition Tom's high-profile in the gay community and the proximity of the restaurant to the heart of the north side gay community - and you have a sure-fire forumla for long-term success.

I, too, have never been impressed by the food served at the Belmont Ave. location. I've booked some parties in the 2nd Fl. of the just closed place, and it was a convenient location and meals were reasonably priced and the waitstaff was excellent. A draw for the restaurant is the free parking for customers, behind the restaurant. (one of the reasons for the success of The Bagel, IMO, is it's free parking - also).

When Tom was elected Alderman he gave-up his liquor license, and I suspect that hurt some of his restaurant business - and a lot of his banquet business. Though, a banquet BYOB (without a corkage fee) policy is very attractive to many party planners. A new chef was brought into the business when Tom went to City Hall (though he's still working in the restaurant when he can) and the change in menu and rise in prices seemed to alienate many long-time customers.

I know the new space the restaurant will move into, another of Tom's properties on Belmont Ave. (on the E. side of the driveway between his buildings, that leads to the rear parking area).

I've been to the Ann Sather's on Broadway (between Belmont & Addison, right?) and I'm expecting this new Belmont Ave. place to be similar - a storefront restaurant. Overhead will certainly be less in the new place.

G Wiv wrote:

johnny wrote:I was told that he intended to eventually own every building in that area.

By who, your barber? Barbers always have the best information.

This is my humorous way of saying lets get back to matters culinary, not real estate

Sorry for the thread hijack. My Realtor persona temporarily took over.
Back to the topic at hand - I've never understood the appeal of Ann Sather either. The few times I've eaten there, the food (with the exception of the cinnamon roll) has been underwhelming.

johnny wrote:I've never understood the appeal of Ann Sather either. The few times I've eaten there, the food (with the exception of the cinnamon roll) has been underwhelming.

I'm not that keen on the cinnamon roll, but, then again, a big dose of gooey cane sugar laden dough is not my speed, even if served warm.

Frankly, I've long been on record as not understanding what the Ann Sather fuss is about. For my money Tre Kronor offers taster versions of similar food.

Enjoy,
Gary

The only memorable thing for me that Ann Sathers used to serve (don't know if they still do) was their turkey dinner. Real carved from the bird turkey and all the fixens available any time of the year. You can even get all dark meat!