Future Of Leilani Asian Fusion Unclear As 1-Year Anniversary Approaches

AURORA, IL — Less than a year after opening in downtown Aurora, Leilani Asian Fusion has temporarily closed its doors.

The restaurant is undergoing a change in partners, resulting in a brief closure, City of Aurora Communications Manager Jon Zaghoul told Patch.

Leilani's website remains live and continues to promote an anniversary celebration on Aug. 9 with a pop-up banner despite the homepage advertising, "We are temporarily closed." On Facebook, the restaurant said that all who purchased tickets to the anniversary event will be refunded.

The restaurant opened to fanfare from the city and locals on Aug. 9, 2024, a week after offering a "sneak peek" with small bites at the August First Fridays event. The City of Aurora provided the restaurant with past funding, including a $400,000 loan and a $500,000 forgivable loan, Zaghoul said, but directed Patch to restaurant owner JH Real Estate Partners for further questions.

JH Real Estate Partners did not respond to Patch's request for comment at the time of publication.

Read what the restaurant wrote in a letter published on Facebook:

While the Paramount Theatre enjoys its summer pause, Leilani Asian Fusion is taking the opportunity to do the same...

We are currently undergoing a reorganization within the business. We are taking the time to reflect, refine, and reimagine what's next.

Thank you for embracing us, for showing up, for dining with us, and for allowing us to share our culinary vision with you. Your support has meant the world to us, and it has laid the foundation for what's to come.

One thing is certain: something amazing is on the horizon for Aurora.

Until we meet again with more fire, more flavor, and more love.

With gratitude, The Leilani Team

According to a former Leilani server who started a GoFundMe campaign, the closure was done "abruptly and unexpectedly, leaving dozens of employees without jobs with just a day’s notice."

The staff member turned to the fundraising platform to help raise money for employees who "now find ourselves without income."

Started five days ago, the fundraiser has collected more than $1,300 toward its $3,000 goal, as of Wednesday. Funds raised will be evenly distributed among the staff affected by the closure, according to the campaign.

"Every member of the Leilani team worked tirelessly to prepare, cook, and serve the amazing food that Aurora has adored since our soft opening a year ago," the organizer wrote. "It was an absolute honor to work with and for these folks, and I know this isn't the end of the Leilani story."

The restaurant wrote on Facebook that all outstanding Leilani gift cards will be fully redeemable at Touche French Creole and Giardino Trattoria and Pizza, both on River Street in downtown Aurora.