After The Blaze: Oak Forest Bowl Owner Takes First Steps Forward

OAK FOREST, IL — Nearly two weeks after a fire gutted his beloved business, Oak Forest Bowl owner Keith Tadevich is beginning to find a way forward.

Tadevich announced Tuesday he will keep the business' summer bowling leagues rolling, relocating them to another alley.

Since the fire consumed the building at 15240 S. Cicero Ave. in the early morning hours May 6, Tadevich and staff have been working to see how business might return to some sort of normalcy following such a devastating loss.

Tadevich said Tuesday that all summer bowling leagues will bowl out of Burr Oak Bowl, 3030 W. 127th St., in Blue Island. Tadevich owns that alley, also. Info on leagues available can be found on Oak Forest Bowl website.

The extra-alarm fire was ruled accidental last week, and the cause has yet to be announced. Oak Forest Fire Chief Gary Kasper said Wednesday the state fire marshal is still working on its report as of May 17, and only when that office releases it, will they know the source of the blaze.

Tadevich and staff are still determining next steps for sand volleyball leagues held at adjacent The Park. The sand pits and nets remain untouched among the building's charred remains, with some patio tables still shaded by umbrellas in the empty beer garden flanking the burned building.

Tadevich in the days after the fire asked for patience.

"Please give us some time to get things straightened out and process what has happened," Tadevich wrote on social media.

"While obviously devastated by the tragic fire at Oak Forest Bowl. I am grateful no one was injured. I want to personally thank everyone for the show of support and compassion while my staff, family and I learn how to deal with this tragedy."

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