Strat’s in Villa Park closes after 38 years, drawing crowds and prompting police warnings

VILLA PARK, Ill. – A popular western suburbs food joint is serving its last customers on Sunday.

Strat’s, a staple for car enthusiasts in the Chicago area, has been around for nearly 38 years. The drive-thru on North Avenue in Villa Park was packed with customers this weekend. Sunday marks its last day of business.

“We are relieved. Bittersweet, of course. It’s time. I am now 61 years old. I opened when I was just 23 years old. I said, “You know what? We’re at the top.” “Now let’s go out and go,” said Strat’s owner, Strat Matsas.

The owner announced last week that he had received an offer from a national tire company to purchase the property – an offer he said he could not refuse.

The announcement drew more people than expected, prompting Villa Park police to issue a statement warning of unsafe driver behavior and vehicle takeovers in the area.

“As a police department, we will do everything we can to keep the public safe, but with such large crowds and a few miscreants, it will be challenging. We do not believe it is a safe environment for passersby, pedestrians and youth.” “We ask that you exercise caution in the area or avoid the area (Sunday evening) as much as possible,” police said in part.

Police said the crowd led to a high-speed crash Friday. They warned that dangerous behavior would not be tolerated, adding that officers were prepared to issue citations and use spike strips to stop vehicles fleeing police.

At 4 p.m. on Sunday, Strat’s parking lot filled up quickly. The restaurant stays open until midnight.