Ann Sather, renowned for its large, house-made cinnamon rolls, has announced a return to Lakeview. This move follows the recent opening of a new location between East Village and Wicker Park. The diner will be taking over the former Stella’s Diner.
Tom Tunney, the owner and operator of Ann Sather, described the return as a homecoming. The last Belmont Avenue location closed after 81 years in June. Although Stella’s Diner closed after failing a health inspection, Tunney stated that the move had been in the works for years.
Tunney had engaged in discussions with Stella’s owner, Marvin Barsky, over the years about buying the space. As the lease for the Ann Sather location at Broadway and Roscoe ends this year, the move becomes a relocation rather than an expansion. Stella’s failed the health inspection due to cockroach infestations, but after addressing the issues, it was given the green light to reopen.
Tunney clarified that the decision to close was unrelated to the inspection but was more about filling a void in Lakeview. The new Ann Sather will undergo renovations, including repairs to the old building before it opens at 3042 N. Broadway. The opening is planned for about two months from now.
Tunney intends to rehire many of Stella’s former employees. He values their skills in customer service and breakfast preparation. Despite some people being sentimental about Stella’s, Tunney’s focus is on keeping as many people satisfied as possible during the transition.
The total number of Ann Sather restaurants will reach four by the year’s end. Through 81 years, the Belmont location has moved five times. Ann Sather originally acquired the Swedish Diner in 1945, changing its name a decade later.
Stella’s owner, Marvin Barsky, could not be reached for comment. In a social media statement, he accepted responsibility for recent events. Barsky also owns The Bagel Restaurant and Deli, which temporarily closed after similar issues but has since reopened.
In a related development, the West Loop’s Wishbone has announced its closure. The owners expressed gratitude to their loyal customers and staff for supporting the restaurant over its 36 years. While no firm closing date has been set, the owners plan to operate until the end of August.