Effingham, Ill. – Lone Star Steakhouse in Effingham has abruptly closed for good.
In a brief interview with Darnell Allen a representative of AuctionNation.com said, “They just abruptly closed, and called us to do a 24-hour liquidation auction.”
According to a press release received by Allen, “the remaining assets are being offered to the general public through a strategiv partnership”
Allen continued on saying, “This is an amazing opportunity not only for people in the restaurant industry but for patrons and the general public alike to bid on and purchase the assets from the Lone Star Steakhouse.”
According to Allen, All of the employees were notified yesterday that the business was going to close.
The corporate office for Lone Star Steakhouse was contacted for further comment, however there was not an immediate response.
When the phone number to the location is dialed there is a recorded voice message saying, “I’m sorry no one is available to take your call goodbye.”
We will continue to update this story as it develops.
UPDATE (7:50 p.m.) – This afternoon we spoke to Jennifer Evans, a Bartender/Server & Trainer from the restaurant, who shared her opinion following the closure of the restaurant.
Evans said, “we gave our blood, sweat, and tears to this place.”
Evans spoke about how the original owning corporation filed for bankruptcy before they were bought by a different one.
“They had given us a chance to rebuild after the old corporation went bankrupt and we were purchased by a new owner.” added Evans.
“This place did so much for us, and we were finally starting to become a well oiled machine, and our sales went up along with business and clientele.
“It just wasn’t enough time to make money for us to stick around.”
Evans expressed that there were negotiations with the corporate office, and the landlord to assist the situation, but it just did not work out.
The night the restaurant closed for good Evans’ husband was working the closing shift when the district manager spoke to the employees along with the shift leader, and told the staff that night that lone star would be locking their doors.
“It was very heart wrenching, and now we are all without jobs.” expressed Evans.
As of right now there has not been any talk as to what will happen with the building.
