Riviera Country Club And Sports Center To Reopen As Early As June

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park's Riviera Country Club and Sports Center closed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since closing over a year ago, the country club recently announced its plans to reopen, after being acquired by an investment company in Chicago.

The country club is hoping to reopen as early as June at the same location — at 8801 W. 143rd St., Orland Park. The new owner is O.P Sports Center LLC, which is a subsidiary division of Chicago's 96 Point Capital Investments Inc.

"With COVID-19 came many closures in all industries and three of those consisted of Gatto’s Italian Restaurant, Riviera Sports Center and Riviera Country Club & Banquet in Orland Park," representatives Lee and Jenni said in the announcement. "Riviera Sports Center which took all of the precautions under COVID-19 stopped operations to secure its clientele and be in compliance with all governmental agencies. With the latest changes coming in the fight against COVID-19 Riviera is preparing to re-open and continue its great tradition."

The representatives of the property said with any new operator, there comes change; adding that these changes consist of a large investment to the offerings of the establishment.

"The well known and respected name Riviera will remain in place, as Z-One feels its best to not trying to recreate the wheel but instead to take what is a beautiful and prosperous foundation in place and building upon it," the announcement states. "In doing so Z-One will be expanding the menu and items made available to clients as well as hosting All-You-Can-Eat events each week and month. Z-One plans to add many of its homemade recipes and enhance the catering end of the business."

Related: Silver Lake Country Club For Sale, Housing Redevelopment Possible

The representatives went on to say that after years of building a professional reputation, owners began to consider handing off the property to someone else.

"The ownership of the Riviera entertained the idea of handing over the business to someone with the same passion and love for the business. We plan to carry the Riviera name with great pride and respect and in doing so keep all members posted as we journey through the changes. Knowing this is a membership club, we look at it as if it's your place, and we just manage the things that keep you enjoying your visits."

The representatives said they plan to invest several hundreds of thousands of dollars into the property, from the banquet hall, restaurant and sports center. Upgrades such as painting, cleaning, repairs and being sure supplies are always readily available are a given are underway.

A barbecue meet and greet is expected to take place when the doors open, but the owners did not specify when that is.

The owners said they have brought back as much of the former staff as they could, including Gabrial Orozco, who will serve as the V.P. and General Manager.

"We look forward to serving the community of Orland Park and all of its members," the representatives said.

The company has a variety of holdings in its portfolio. These holdings include Crac’d Pot Family Steakhouse, which opened 60’s, to the Uintah Country Bar & Grill in Vernal, Utah. The company's latest franchise concept is Scooters Pizza & Grub.

According to the announcement, over the past 30 years the company has owned and operated a food supply company based out of Lowell, Indiana, that served its various pizzerias best known for Angelo’s and Taste of Sicily. Other fast-food hot spots consisted of the BBQ Shack, several Subway Sandwich locations, Arby’s, Papa Bears and Mikey Rays, covering Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

See the announcement and learn more here.

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