WEEK Weather

72 °F

CLEAR

WIND : SSE

6 mph

HUMIDITY : 63 %

October 12, 2008

More Weather

Peoria's River Station Closing

July 3, 2008

Tools

By Eric Shangraw

Story Published: Jul 3, 2008 at 10:44 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2008 at 7:51 PM CDT

The Forth of July will be the last hurrah for a Peoria landmark.

Multimedia

Watch The Video

The River Station restaurant announced it will be open tomorrow but closed permanently starting July 5th.
In a press release, owner Tracy Nichols said business conditions and a recent fire have combined to make it necessary to cease operations.
Nichols says he is still hosting a 4th of July barbecue from two until eleven p–m at the restaurant.
However, no alcohol will be served.
Nichols lost his liquor license after failing to pay more than 50–thousand dollars in taxes.

View Oldest Comments First

Sunday, Jul 6 at 2:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...

he is not paying his staff either, Tracy did not show up to pay on Saturday. If you paid a charge tip of paid for a banquet in the last two months chances are he kept that money too.

Saturday, Jul 5 at 8:54 AM Trivoli Bob wrote ...

The point of the matter is that he collected tax money (not food or beverage sales) and didn't pass it along as he's required to. He was trusted with the public's money and he kept it and spent it for his own purposes (possibly to keep the business afloat, but whatever, it doesn't matter what, it wasn't his to spend). Great steak-maker or not, he stole public funds which he was entrusted with.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 8:34 PM Sheesh wrote ...

It's disappointing to see another locally owned restaurant close. It's amazing, though, how a place that could be so successful yet again falls victim to gross mismanagement. And by the way, WEEK. The "Forth" of July? At least spell check your headlines!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 3:56 PM annonomous wrote ...

Most properly managed businesses have "loss of revenue" insurance for fires, and conditions that prevent them from being open. The fact that the management owed back taxes that they collected from customers as a part of their bill shows the integrity of the people running the business. I am confident there will be a line of people waiting to get paid all the money owed to them like vendors, deposits from weddings, etc...Good luck getting any money. The lawyers will get their money though.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 3:44 PM Mary wrote ...

Who Cares!!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 2:29 PM Anonymous2 wrote ...

This has been a long time coming. We were there last year and had horrible service - drinks spilled on guests and NO apologies at all. We never even received a response to our written inquiry about why the situation was not handled better. The food may be good but when the service fails people won't come. Don't blamce the economy - they brought this one on themselves.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 2:10 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Continuted... To make matters worse, I was just in contact with the restaurant less than 24 hours ago and they carried on like "business as usual". I do not have sympathy for anyone who does not pay their taxes and does not know how to run a business. Good riddance!!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 2:09 PM anonymous wrote ...

This restaurant had horrible management. My wedding is scheduled in about a month and I had booked the riverstion for my rehersal dinner months ago and paid a deposit. Now they will not return my phone calls and do not even have the decency to answer their phones. I am surprised they decided to stay open for their BBQ. I am sure the only reason they are is to avoid the consequences since they had already sold tickets to the general public... continued below...

Thursday, Jul 3 at 1:37 PM LOVE R.S. wrote ...

I was so excited when the River Station opened back up - best ribs, steaks and desserts in town, hands DOWN !!!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:57 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This place was were me and my boyfriend had our first date. It was so cold out that night but it was so worth it. They were so nice there and even took a picture for us in the wine cellar. Thank you River Station for making our first date exeptional.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:50 PM Aaron wrote ...

Shari - I think you hit the nail on the head. It's sad that so many business's are closing up these days...Pretty soon the only places you'll be able to go to eat or shop at will be fast food chains and mega marts...

Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:46 PM todd wrote ...

What a cope out to have the 4th July party. Charge $40.00 for the day then you keep the money but take out the alcohol. Give people a chance to get there money back.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:10 PM Long Time worker wrote ...

It's to bad they can't stay open! I work at Martini's and our customers love the fact that we serve the River Stations food. Having them open helps business for both of us!!!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 11:07 AM Shari Favorite wrote ...

My husband and I just ate there last Saturday for my Birthday and had the best steaks ever! Service was great the atmosphere was beautiful and we are so sad to her of the closing. Our goverment seems to be leading our economy down a very dark hole. The rich keep getting richer and the rest of us continue to struggle! I will say a prayer for the River Station owner and wish you the best of luck on your next adventure. God Bless!

Add a comment

On Demand

Stock Quotes

What's On TonightFull Schedule

6:00

Football Night in America

7:15

Sunday Night Football-New