Business & Tech

Long-Time Naperville Businesses Brookdale Music, Café Buonaro's Prepare to Close

Brookdale Music plans to close by Aug. 31 and the owners of Café Bonauro's say the restaurant will close in September.

Two businesses that brought food and music to Naperville, will soon be closing.

Brookdale Music, which is located in Pebblewood Plaza, opened in 1993 and its owner plans to shutter its doors by the end of the summer. And, after 23 years in business Café Buonaro’s will close in late September. Its owners are hoping to sell the business.

Brookdale Music Owner Jack Mogan said in an e-mail to customers that he had considered closing in June 2012, but kept the store open to see if it could be sustainable on a smaller scale.

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The store’s last day open will be Aug. 31, he said in the letter. A sale will begin at the store on July 24, with a variety of items marked down, including band instruments, guitars, amplifiers and other musical instruments and equipment. As the business nears its closing date other items will be sold, including furniture and fixtures.

Mogan thanked customers for supporting the business over the years.

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In his e-mail he said: “We originally opened in 1993 to operate a community-based, family-friendly business. I believed then and still feel that there are few things in life as positive and uplifting as music and music education. I am very honored and privileged to have been able to work with so many good people, and I sincerely thank you for your support over the years.”

The owners of Café Buonaro’s, which is located in 5th Avenue Station, have said Sept. 28 will be the last day the family-owned business will operate. The Buonaro family is selling the business, according to a posting to customers on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“It is with heavy hearts and hopeful minds that we write this letter to inform you that after 23 years, the Buonauro Family will be selling Café Bonauro’s - our cherished restaurant in Naperville’s 5th Avenue Station,” the message said.

Fans of the business on Facebook left a variety of comments, ranging from sadness to disbelief. Most praising the owners for the many years of great food. Many customers saying they planned to dine at the restaurant before it closes.

In the message to customers, the family said: “The last 23 years have been filled with great friends, great food, and experiences that will last us a lifetime. Our customers have become our family, and our appreciation for them goes beyond what any words can describe. When Ron opened Café Bonauro’s, he didn’t have dreams of grandeur. His dream was to invite his friends over for dinner - and make damn good Italian food. For Ron, everyone was a friend – it was just a matter of whether or not you had met yet.”


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