The city of Aurora government announced the closure of Stolp Island Social in a news release Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Three months after opening, the COVID-19 era hit, and the devastating global pandemic shuttered businesses immediately, most for the long term, and some permanently. With theatres and restaurants being part of the primary business sectors shut down the longest, the impact was pronounced for the new pairing of the Paramount and Stolp Island Social.
“There was no more difficult time to operate a restaurant than since the Great Depression,” said Amy Morton, owner of Stolp Island Social.
Even with additional federal, State, and local financial assistance provided to restaurants during the years-long recovery phase, Stolp Island Social never regained the footing that had it on track to earn $2.5 million a year during its first year.
After Morton made the fiscal decision last month to take a Summer hiatus and close for the Summer months, the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) as the governing body for the Paramount Theatre and landlord of the restaurant space, met with the City to prepare for the future, discuss possible new options, and envision expanded possibilities for the prime restaurant space.
After additional amicable discussions, Amy Morton and ACCA concluded this week that Stolp Island Social would close permanently, leaving a move-in-ready restaurant space available for a new tenant that would better fit downtown Aurora.
Restaurateurs interested can contact Patty Stefanski at PattyS@paramountarts.com.
— City of Aurora government