Another restaurant has closed near the intersection of Rand Road and Thomas Street. Prospect Heights Grill — at the former Peep’s Hot Dogs location — closed last year. Tore & Luke’s closed suddenly last week. The restaurant, with an efficient drive-thru, was located at 1350 East Rand Road in Arlington Heights, just east of the Sports Page Bar.
Many Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights residents last weekend were surprised to find out that the Arlington Heights Tore & Luke’s was closed — even with steady clientele from John Hersey High School.
Location may have played a significant factor in the closing, however. Directly across Thomas Street from John Hersey High School is a Jimmy John’s and a Dairy Queen. Tony’s Finer Foods also serves hot food, and includes a dining area for eating. Nikko’s at the southeast corner of Rand Road and Thomas Street is also closer to Hersey, All eating establishments located in Prospect Heights. H.O.M.E. Bar, while not a Hersey venue for students, has also captured a lot of business with capability for fundraisers and group meetings.
A Freshii — known for healthy wraps, salads, juices and smoothies — is also located inside the Target store (1700 East Rand Road, Arlington Heights) right across the street from John Hersey High School. It’s also the only Freshii nearby. The closest locations are in Northbrook and Rosemont.
An Arlington Heights business owner in the area, who didn’t want to be named, said he wasn’t surprised after hearing about the closure. He said most people don’t realize how expensive it is to run a food business with all the taxes and regulations and fees. He said it’s a crime how the government taxes business owners. Plus, he said people don’t spend as much to go out anymore. They meet on Facebook or by using other smartphone apps. They don’t try to meet at a restaurant or bar like they used to, he said.
A “for sale” sign was posted at the former Arlington Heights Tore & Luke’s site located on the north side of Rand Road.
There is a larger and newer Tore & Luke’s location further north on Rand Road between Dundee Road and Hicks Road in Palatine. Tore & Luke’s in Palatine is located at 1960 North Rand Road, a little over 4 miles north of the Arlington Heights location that closed.
A large Speedway gas station and convenience store is planned for the northwest corner of Rand Road and Thomas Street, where Prospect Heights Grill and Peep’s were once located.
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