Originally opened in 1991
WHEATON – After having a presence in downtown Wheaton for 27 years, Front Street Cantina at 112 N. Hale St. plans to close its doors by mid-February.
The restaurant originally opened on Jan. 31, 1991, at 127 W. Front St. as Front Street Cocina.
Wheaton had prohibited the use of the word "cantina," according to a poster in the restaurant's window announcing the closing of Front Street Cantina. The city at one time was a dry community and did not allow establishments to sell alcohol.
The poster invites customers to "come celebrate the end of an era before mid-February 2018."
"The restaurant management informed our office that an agreement could not be reached between the business owners and the landlord," Downtown Wheaton Association Executive Director Paula Barrington said in an email. "Front Street Cantina offered a fun and casual dining option in downtown Wheaton that was popular with all ages and was very family friendly. We are sorry to be losing this establishment."
Barrington said the building's location on Hale Street "is ideal for any future restaurant openings."
"The space is already designed and equipped for restaurant use and we are confident that a new tenant will be announced in the very near future," she said. Front Street Cantina also has locations in Naperville and Plainfield.
The restaurant is not the only business on Hale Street that is closing.
Bella Roba, a women's clothing store at 104 N. Hale St., is closing its doors after more than four years in business. The store, which sells refurbished antiques, designer apparel and locally made jewelry, opened in June 2013.
However, The Burger Social recently opened at 108 N. Hale St.
The owners of The Burger Social also own Maize + Mash restaurant in downtown Glen Ellyn, as well as the Barrel + Rye and The Burger Local restaurants in downtown Geneva.
In addition, Terrano's Pizza & Pasta recently opened in the building at 303 S. Main St. that previously housed Nancy's Pizza.
In addition to pizza, the restaurant also sells several types of pasta, sandwiches and salads.