Another longstanding Metro East establishment is shutting its doors. Dandy Inn Pub in Fairview Heights is scheduled to close on Sunday, Jan. 15, after 40 years in business.
Owner Mark Daniels said the reason he’s closing the restaurant is simple. “I’m just tired.”
That’s understandable, as Daniels has been in the business for quite a while. His parents, Dave and Phyllis Daniels, opened The Dandy Inn in 1977, and he took the helm 35 years ago. Daniels said he plans to sell the building.
Since announcing the closure last week, Daniels said the response from the community has been tremendous. “I knew we’d be busy, but this is over the top,” he said. “It’s been St. Patrick’s Day crowds every day. It’s amazing we’ve touched so many lives.”
Daniels said there is a possibility that the restaurant will open for a few days later in the month and just serve corned beef and cabbage. More information will be available on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Matt Sorrell is a staff writer for Sauce Magazine.
This article appears in January 2017.