After 2nd Restaurant Closure In Less Than 2 Years, Golf Club To Scale Back

LISLE, IL — Lisle Park District will not reopen the dining room at River Bend Golf Club, according to park district documents. The former restaurant that occupied the space, Bella Notte, closed when its River Bend Golf Club Restaurant Food and Beverage License Agreement was terminated by the park district after the restaurant was found "in breach," per park district documents.

The space at 5900 Rte. 53 had formerly been home to Wheatstack Restaurant, which closed at the start of 2024. Bella Notte opened in June 2024 before closing in April 2025.

A May 8 letter from Parks and Recreation Director Dan Garvy was included in the agenda packet for the May 15 park district board of commissioners meeting. The letter said, in part, "Rather than seeking another restaurant operator, we are planning to reduce the scope of the operation significantly."

Garvy added, "We have learned the hard way that the restaurant industry is a difficult industry in the best of times, and as economic uncertainty continues and labor and food costs continue to rise, staff feel it is wise to reduce our operation, limit our overhead and otherwise simplify the operation."

The park district plans to keep the clubhouse bar as the "primary draw of the facility," the letter said. Meanwhile, the dining room will only be open for catered special events, such as luncheons, parties, and other gatherings.

In lieu of the dining room, golfers may be able to purchase premade, fresh salads, wraps and sandwiches. Pizza, hot dogs and other easy-to-prepare items will also be considered. Guests will also be able to order in items from nearby eateries.

Garvy continued, "[W]e are all excited with the opportunity to resume operations of the space, albeit in a much more limited capacity, but one that will prioritize a welcoming and accommodating environment to golfers."

At the May 15 meeting, park district commissioners will discuss progress on the River Bend Golf Club project, with the hopes of sharing new hours with the public in the coming weeks.

An April 16 post on social media from Bella Notte read,

I'm sorry to inform you The Lisle Park District had a board meeting on Monday night and they, The Lisle Park District Board And its Elected Commisioners decided to terminate our licensing agreement immediately, without any kind of notice or even a chance to make a payment to bring us current, despite our numerous attempts. We were trying to workout an agreement even a deferment of payment to stay longer but they decided it was best to move on. Our lawyers attempts to get the Elected Park Board Commissioners to work with us, to no avail. To say we’re disappointed and sad for our now unemployed staff with their decision is an understatement. We have enjoyed our time serving you and your families.'

Representatives from Bella Notte and the Lisle Park District did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Patch Wednesday evening.