Batavia Illinois – The 5th Ward

Everdine’s Bids Farewell

Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co., a beloved addition to downtown Batavia, has announced it will close its doors for good on Sunday, September 27. The closure comes as the owners prepare for an international move.

In a heartfelt announcement, the owners expressed deep gratitude to the community and their team: “Having this restaurant in Batavia has been such a wonderful experience. It’s been so refreshing to work with a city that truly cares about its small businesses and residents.” The post continued to thank local customers and staff, highlighting the dedication of their “second Everdine’s family” and wishing them the best in their future endeavors.

The History of Everdine’s

Everdine’s was born out of a 2008 global honeymoon taken by owners Kelly and Brian. Traveling on a tight budget, the couple relied heavily on grilled cheese sandwiches—an affordable, universally comforting meal. That inspiration eventually became a reality in November 2016 when they opened their original location in downtown Naperville. Over a nearly ten-year run, the restaurant built a loyal following before abruptly closing its Naperville location in July 2026 to focus solely on the newer Batavia storefront. Unfortunately, life changes are now concluding the Batavia chapter as well.

City Partnership and Funding

The relationship between Everdine’s and the City of Batavia was a collaborative one, underscoring the municipality’s focus on economic development. The city directly supported the build-out of the Everdine’s space. In 2024, Everdine’s utilized a municipal grant program—following city guidelines to secure multiple contractor bids—to help fund the commercial improvements necessary to bring their concept to Batavia. The owners’ parting message praising the city reflects the proactive approach local officials have taken to incentivize and establish downtown businesses.

The Closing of a Classic: Daddio’s Diner

Everdine’s isn’t the only local establishment saying goodbye this month. Daddio’s Diner, a downtown Batavia breakfast staple for nearly 20 years, will close on Wednesday, September 23. The Wilson Street building has housed a diner since the 1960s. The Beltran family, who opened Daddio’s in 2007, cited rising food costs and an expiring lease as the reasons for the closure.

Known for its 1950s retro decor and “No Way Jose” special, Daddio’s was equally famous for its “Cup of Kindness” pay-it-forward program, allowing customers to purchase meals for those in need. The owners are inviting regulars in for one last slice of community and a “Mommio’s Chocolate Chip Cookie” before they shut off the griddle for the final time.

Momentum in Downtown Economic Development

While losing these restaurants is a blow to the local dining scene, Batavia’s broader downtown economic development strategy continues to secure significant wins. The city has aggressively pursued public-private partnerships, housing developments, and infrastructure upgrades over the past year.

Recent local downtown wins include:

• The Batavia Boardwalk Shops: Entering its seventh season in May 2026, this business incubator program by Batavia MainStreet introduced 10 new micro-retailers to the corner of Wilson and River streets, including Archives Chicagoland, Miss Lindy’s Bakery, and The Soda Surf.
• Public Gathering Spaces: The city is transforming the former Tin Shop site on North River Street into the new River Street Plaza, which will feature accessible paths and public restrooms.
• Housing and Infrastructure: Batavia approved the $24 million “Residences at River Pointe,” a 72-unit workforce housing project designed to bring more foot traffic to local businesses. Additionally, the recent Route 31 “Road Diet” successfully narrowed lanes to reduce car crashes, making the downtown corridor safer for pedestrians.
• Commercial Grants: Similar to the funding that supported Everdine’s, the city recently awarded a $150,000 grant for a new upscale restaurant to revitalize a vacant downtown corner at Wilson and River, signaling that the local dining scene remains a priority.
• River Facing Development: Sturdy Shelter Brewing recently unveiled an architectural worthy deck along the Fox River, bringing new development to the river front for the first time in decades.

As the city continues to execute its Strategic Plan to modernize the Fox River corridor, including an economic study currently underway, people are encouraged to stop in and support the teams at Daddio’s and Everdine’s before September 23 and September 27, celebrating the meaningful chapters both businesses have written in Batavia’s history.

Proposed Upscale Dining Concept to Revitalize Historic 15 East Wilson Street in Downtown Batavia

Author: Jim Fahrenbach