Downtown Naperville BlackFinn Bar Gets New Name, Clean Slate

A downtown Naperville bar that became known as a hot-spot for fighting and safety issues just got a new name, new management and clean slate. 

BlackFinn American Saloon, 16 W. Jefferson Ave., is now The Wise Boxer Pour House.

Jim Bergeron, owner of Jimmy's Grill, 254 S. Washington St., officially took over the former BlackFinn location, adding a new menu as well as a temporary sign on the outside of the restaurant.

In between serving customers on Tuesday afternoon, Bergeron said The Wise Boxer opened last week, but he didn't have any other details to share at the moment. 

Along with changing BlackFinn's name and management, Bergeron told City Council last month that he will shift the focus from alcohol to food and "operate an upscale family restaurant and tavern," according to city documents.

The restaurant's menu includes seafood, steak, sandwiches, pasta, burgers and chicken dishes. Prices range from $9 to $30. 

In keeping with a family-friendly theme, The Wise Boxer also offers a children's menu. 

Bergeron has 30 years of restaurant experience, including owning and operating Jimmy's Grill for 15 years. He also currently owns the building that houses BlackFinn, according to the city.

The former BlackFinn bar became plagued over the last year with safety issues and code violations. Last month, 7 people were charged and one employee was injured after a bar brawl broke out at the downtown bar on May 12.

After a brawl in October, city officials temporarily suspended BlackFinn's late-night liquor permit for three days in November. The bar was also fined $1,000 and agreed to install an ID checking system, security cameras as well as complete training for its security staff.

The new restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, closing at 1 a.m. during the week and 2 a.m. on weekends. After dinner hours, underage access to the restaurant will be prohibited and a dress code will be enforced, according to the city.