Owners Blame 'Political Situation' For Closure Of Restaurant

PALATINE, IL — The owners of a local café have decided to call it quits after four years following multiple visits from immigration agents in recent weeks that have resulted in a drop in business. Chappie's Café, located at 754 W. Euclid Ave., will officially close its doors on Nov. 2.

"While it's difficult to say goodbye to the place where so many great memories were made, we are filled with hope and enthusiasm as we begin the search for a new home where our story can continue and we are praying that the political situation changes and we don't have to feel hunted or chased in the community that has given us so much," owners Judith Martinez and her husband Omar Garcia said in a social media post to customers earlier this month.

The owners told the Daily Herald that masked federal immigration agents have visited the restaurant unannounced in recent weeks, confronting customers and even the owners, asking for their legal papers. Martinez, who was born in Mexico, was naturalized in the U.S. Garcia is an immigrant, but is also here legally, according to the report.

"We look forward to welcoming you again soon in a space where we can keep creating new moments, meals, and memories together," the post continues.