Business & Tech

Readers React: Will BlackFinn Management Change Solve Bar's Troubles?

Naperville Patch readers weigh in on the news of Jimmy's Grill owner taking over BlackFinn.

Jim Bergeron, owner of Jimmy's Grill, 254 S. Washington St., told Naperville City Council members this week that he is moving as quickly as possible to take over operations for BlackFinn American Saloon. 

On Tuesday, Bergeron said he could have the "locks changed" as early as next week. The news came as a relief to many Naperville Patch readers considering BlackFinn has been plagued over the last year with safety issues and code violations. 

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Seven people were charged and one employee was injured after a brawl broke out at the downtown bar on May 12.

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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.

We recently asked Naperville Patch readers on our Facebook page if the management change will reduce violent incidents we've seen recently at BlackFinn. 

Here's what readers had to say:

It's about time!!! BlackFinn gave Naperville a bad name...not the right fit for Naperville...Good Luck with the new place.... - Paula Howland Cree 

Something needed to change. More local management will surely help. Blackfinn was supposed to put in video cameras....never done? Maybe limit the 3rd floor crowds more? - Doug Hitchcock 

Well, since I don't hear a lot about incident's at Jimmy's Grill, I would hope the same can be done here. - Holli Anzalone 

Thank goodness. Definitely good news for Naperville. - Lisa Bidwell 

Jimmy's owner owns the BlackFinn building. Now he's taking over the restaurant. Hats off to him for keeping all the BlackFinn employees and working hard to turn things around. - Nathan Brown

Happy about the changes, looking forward to the new concept. - Jules Prokop 

Jim Bergeron will do great, Blackfinn establishment had enough chances. He'll turn it around! - Roxanne Lang

I hope it helps. Naperville is a family friendly city..and BlackFinn was a black eye in the downtown area. WE do not need all of the problems this bar was bringing to Naperville. - Paula Howland Cree

What's Your Take?


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