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After 22 years, Rics restaurant in Lake Zurich suddenly closes

After operating for 22 years in Lake Zurich, Rics restaurant has suddenly closed, leaving customers wondering what happened.

Owners Howard and Karen Pass said Thursday that the lease ran out at the end of February and they were in the process of selling the business. Howard said something is going wrong with the sale and his attorney is involved. He said he can't discuss details at this point.

He did say after operating the establishment for more than two decades, he and his wife are saddened with the way the process is going. "We'll miss our customers, who we call friends," Howard said. "We send our best wishes to all."

The owners said they were looking to move on with their lives and slow down a bit. "Running a restaurant is for the younger person. It's 12 hours a day, six days a week with no breaks," he said.

The eatery, located in a small strip mall on Route 22, had a large menu of American food including burgers, salads, Italian sausage and shakes.

A padlock has been placed on the front door of the restaurant, though the interior looks like it was all set up for another day of business. There is no sign on the door to tell customers that the establishment is closed.

Longtime customers posted on a Lake Zurich community Facebook page that they wondered why the diner suddenly closed, stating that they are saddened by the news. More than 20 people commented about how they will miss the owners and their friendly conversations with customers.

"This makes me so said, I have been going there since I moved to LZ almost 18 years ago and was pregnant with my youngest. The owners were the sweetest people and always loved talking to Howard," one post said.

The owners said Thursday that they have watched families grow up and then bring their children into the eatery. "I have a lot of passion. Twenty-two years is a true life time," Howard said, adding that he is hoping someone will come in and carry on the Rics tradition.

"Meanwhile, we are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the next move," he said.

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  A padlock has been placed on the front door at Rics restaurant in Lake Zurich. Kim Mikus/kmikus@dailyherald.com
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