Raffi's on 5th to Close Doors After 12 Years in Naperville
Restaurant owner claims building owner no longer wants a restaurant as a tenant.
After 12 years of serving Naperville, Raffi's on 5th, 200 East 5th Ave., is closing its doors.
The restaurant, which specializes in Mediterranean, Spanish, Italian and French cuisine, is set for a last day of operation of Sept. 29. The restaurant's lease is up the next day. In a press release restaurant owner Raffi Demerdjian said the owner of the building no longer wants a restaurant as a tenant. He said he is not sure if he will reopen in another location.
“We are touched by the opportunity to be part of your celebrations for the last 12 years,” Demerdjian said in the press release. “Although our future is uncertain, it is our hope and desire that our family will be welcoming you and your friends to our restaurant again.”
Demerdjian said people who have gift certificates need to heed the Sept. 29 closing date.
Restaurant hours are: lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday.
Jim Smith
9:49 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I'm surprised they lasted as long as they did.
Albert Gazalooch
9:56 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
If the building's owner doesn't want a restaurant as a tenant, what's going to happen when Buonaro's lease expires? Are they next to get kicked out?
Alex Keown
10:48 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
My wife and I celebrated our anniversary there earlier this year. Our meal was phenomenal.
joen
3:15 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I have my office in 5th Avenue where Raffies is located and I am very sad to see them go! What a terrible decision by the powers that be! We will miss your awesome menu and great service. I will be wattching for your return!! What will I do without the delicious crab cake??
Chapman
4:17 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
There an empty restaurant waiting where Famous Dave's / ShowMe's / LinebackerGrill used to be....
max
6:33 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
My husband and I are really going to miss Raffi's Armenian offerings - a rare find. I hope he's able to open in another location so that I can once more taste that delicious, marinated lamb, the Tabbouleh salad, and tasty grape leaves.
Joe
8:52 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
The owner not wanting a restaurant? Not the case....Did you ever think it was something the restaurant owner has done? I think so...
Albert Gazalooch
12:18 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012
Could be but since there's no mention of a leaser - business owner conflict one must draw conclusions. I was upset when the Zephyr Grill closed. I thought it was a perfect fit at the time.