Just a few weeks after Daniel Canter celebrated his first year as owner of Kismet restaurant in Orland Park, the restaurant announced on Sunday that it was closing immediately.
“Due to some unforeseen circumstances and the increased expenses of labor, product, repair and upkeep, we were unfortunately forced to close our doors,” the restaurant said in a posting on Facebook. “The growing expenses, and the competition from the more visible choices on LaGrange Road, made it unsustainable for us to continue operating.
“We appreciate the tremendous support from the community, and especially, from our regulars.
We thank our dedicated staff for working hard and for caring about our customers.
“We share in the sadness of what it means to lose a local eatery. Please know the decision was heavy and heart-breaking.”
Canter, 53, celebrated his anniversary on January 10. Kismet was founded 47 years ago.
This newspaper had featured the restaurant at 9931 W. 151st St. in a story in late December.
In that story, Canter said, “We roll out daily specials, we change our soups around, we introduce new menu items and keep everybody on their toes. Then, we get feedback from the public: Is it something that they like? Is it something that they didn’t like? So far, so good.”
The Worth native, who now lives in LaGrange, had worked in the real estate market for 22 years prior to his restaurant endeavor
He said that his team of six employees served about 80 customers a day and he hoped to get that number up to 100 in the coming year.
He said the most popular items were gyros, burgers and grilled chicken.
With about every chain imaginable located a quick drive away on LaGrange Road, Canter said his small business had much to offer that locals wouldn’t be able to find at corporate stores.
“We’re not following specific recipe cards like they do,” he said. “Plus, I hire the kids from the local high school and collaborate with them on different ideas. They’ve been fantastic in terms of new custard flavors that we’re creating.”
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