“With my 90th birthday on the horizon and none of my children in a position to assume responsibility for the family business, it will be better to close Don’s last restaurant while it still is a going concern,” said Mrs. Roth.
In 1969, Don Roth opened the 135-seat restaurant housed in a property that was originally a farmhouse, now 150-years old, on what is called “Restaurant Row” in Wheeling. He wanted to offer the Blackhawk’s signature menu to his North Shore and northwest suburban customers. When he closed the original Blackhawk in Chicago’s Loop in August 1984, he displayed its Big Band memorabilia at the suburban outpost.
“It’s an unfortunate but necessary business decision,” said Bob Vorachek, general manager of the Blackhawk in Wheeling who began working for Roth Restaurants in 1986. “While our restaurant is still very busy, we would need to embark on a major renovation to maintain the standards and quality our customers expect. Without the third generation’s direct involvement, Roth Restaurants cannot continue as a family enterprise.”
History of Roth Restaurants
In addition to the original Blackhawk on Wabash opened by Otto Roth, Don’s father, on December 27, 1920, Roth Restaurants has owned and operated The Blackhawk on Pearson, opened in 1973 where Bistro 110 now is located; the Loophole on Randolph opened in 1976 as a fast self-service, fresh food establishment where the bar of the original Blackhawk had served patrons; and Don Roth’s River Plaza, opened in 1980 to serve American/Cajun cuisine and sold in 1988.
The original Blackhawk became Chicago’s home of the Big Band era with WGN Radio broadcasting entertainers performing there across the county. Some of the celebrated who performed at the Blackhawk include Coon-Sanders and their Kansas City Nighthawks, Hal Kemp, Kay Kyser and his Kollege of Musical Knowledge, Bob Crosby and his Bob Cats, Jack Teagarden, Les Brown, Chico Marx, Ozzie Nelson and Mel Torme.
As the Big Band era was winding down, Don Roth took over the family business and decided to “make food the show” and introduced the rolling roast beef cart and the spinning bowl salad in 1952. In 1986, American Airlines began serving this signature Blackhawk menu to its first-class passengers flying to California at dinner time.
Today, the salad still spins at the Blackhawk in Wheeling and servers still recite the saga of the spinning bowl salad. The Blackhawk continues to sell its bottled dressing in major supermarkets across the county.
Plans for November and December
During the month of November, the Blackhawk will continue to feature a specially-priced prime rib dinner for $19.69. “This special was so popular for our 40th anniversary during October, we decided to serve it as we anticipate more long-time customers returning for another visit,” said Vorachek, who has been general manager of the Wheeling restaurant since 1995.
Just like it has done in previous years, the Blackhawk will serve lunch weekdays during the month of December. It also is accepting reservations for holiday parties. Dinner begins nightly at 4 pm.
Reservations are suggested by visiting theblackhawk.com or by phoning 847.537.5800.
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FYI To interview Ann Roth and Bob Vorachek, please call Sheila King, 312.622.3999.
