Strat's in Villa Park closing after 38 years, draws crowds and police warnings

VILLA PARK, Ill. - A popular food joint in the western suburbs is serving its last patrons on Sunday.

Strat’s, a staple for Chicago-area car lovers, has been around for nearly 38 years. The drive-thru, located on North Avenue in Villa Park, has been packed with customers this weekend. Sunday marks its final day in business.

"We're relieved. Bittersweet, of course. It's time. I'm 61 years old right now. I opened when I was 23 years old right now. I said, ‘you know what? We’re at the top of the game. Let's get out and go now,'" said Strat's owner, Strat Matsas.

The owner announced last week that he received an offer from a national tire company to purchase the property — a deal he said he couldn’t refuse.

The announcement has drawn larger-than-expected crowds, prompting Villa Park police to issue a statement warning of unsafe behavior by drivers and vehicle takeovers in the area.

"As a police department, we will do all we can to keep the public safe but with such large crowds and a few bad actors it will be a challenge. We do not feel it is a safe environment for passersby, pedestrians, and youths being dropped off in the area. We would ask you proceed with caution in the area, or even avoid the area much as possible (Sunday) evening," police said in part. 

Police said the crowds led to a high-speed crash on Friday. They warned that dangerous behavior will not be tolerated, adding that officers are prepared to issue citations and use spike strips to stop vehicles fleeing from police.

As of 4 p.m. Sunday, Strat’s parking lot was quickly filling up. The restaurant will remain open until midnight.