Lake Zurich's White Alps restaurant ends 30-year run

Lake Zurich's White Alps restaurant has closed after 30 years near Route 22 and Rand Road.

White Alps announced Monday's closure on a message board section of its roadside sign. Co-owner George Vlahopoulos said an inability reach an agreement on a new lease for the restaurant's building led to the end.

"We want to thank the Lake Zurich community for their support," Vlahopoulos said.

Homemade soups, family recipes for Greek dishes and skillet breakfasts were part of the White Alps experience since 1986 on Route 22 just east of Rand.

Lake Zurich resident Ryan Eder is among the patrons disappointed White Alps is gone from the village's restaurant landscape. He said he especially enjoyed the chicken-noodle soup.

Eder said he'll also miss the employees who worked hard to provide a top-notch dining experience.

"At White Alps, you weren't just a customer," Eder said. "No matter who you were, they genuinely cared how you were doing and wanted you to feel as comfortable as possible. Lake Zurich won't be the same without this hidden gem."

Lake Zurich Deputy Police Chief Kevin Finlon said he occasionally dined at White Alps for breakfast and lunch and always found the service to be friendly.

"We will miss them as one of our options for lunch," Finlon said. "I have ordered several of their menu options, with the BLT club and meat lovers skillet being my favorites."

For Buffalo Grove resident Donna Chung, White Alps was about moussaka, a dish made of ground beef and lamb with roasted eggplant and potatoes in a creamy bechamel sauce. In September 2015, she organized a moussaka dinner at White Alps for supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

"It was the best moussaka we've had - in forever," Chung said.

Vlahopoulos said White Alps had about 15 employees when it closed. He said the restaurant was packed Sunday because many patrons visited to say goodbye.

Lake Zurich Mayor Thomas Poynton said he expects village government to receive official notification about White Alps' closure because the establishment has a liquor license and permits for five video gambling machines.