'The Community Saved Gaston's': Orland Bistro Owner Grateful For Support That Kept Doors Open

ORLAND PARK, IL — The owner of an Orland Park bistro pulled from the brink of closing is grateful to the community that saved it—and wants to give a little something back in return.

In August 2024, Gaston's Bistro owner Yaser Elkayyal told Patch he was fighting to stay open after the “worst summer” in his two decades of business. As costs rose and foot traffic dwindled, Elkayyal feared closing might be his only option.

But the community didn't let that happen.

Loyal customers, and many who hadn’t visited in years, returned to support the neighborhood bistro tucked away from LaGrange Road at 14438 John Humphrey Dr. New customers discovered what longtime patrons already knew: Gaston’s is a community staple.

Their support helped keep the lights on, and Elkayyal says he’ll never forget it.

“The community saved Gaston’s,” Elkayyal said. “I’ll never forget what Orland Park did for me and my family. Now it’s my turn to say thank you.”

To show his appreciation, Elkayyal is offering dine-in specials, including a buy one entrée, get the second half off deal for the month of September for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Elkayyal said it’s a small way to give back to the people who gave him a second chance.

He also hopes his story is a reminder of the importance of supporting small businesses.

“It’s easy to head up LaGrange Road and go with a big chain, but there’s so much more in Orland Park if you go a little off the beaten path,” he said. “Small businesses like mine are what give a community its character. We don’t just serve food, we serve our neighbors.”

For Elkayyal, Gaston’s Bistro is no longer just about surviving. It’s about honoring the loyalty of a community that stood by him when he needed it most.

“Gaston’s belongs to this community as much as it does to me,” Elkayyal said. “And I’ll spend every day showing how thankful I am for that.”