It was 20 years ago on May 3, 1989 we opened our second restaurant called the Kickapoo Klub. The original Uptown, in the building immediately to our east,  was as prosperous and busy as our 1600 square foot storefront could handle. I was fresh off a summer where I had spent some time bidding on becoming the concessionaire of the Starved Rock Lodge which was newly renovated. After coming in second place I was looking to do something to capitalize on the upcoming tourism boom in the Illinois Valley.
Previously (and currently) operated as the Captains Cove and located at the Starved Rock Marina, this site interested me because it had one the nicest views in all of Illinois. It had approximately 150 seats, a banquet area, full bar and a gorgeous patio overlooking the "Wide Waters" and the cliffs of Starved Rock State Park. It had a decidedly southwest atmosphere and menu. 
It was operated by us for 3 years and sold mainly because the business remained very seasonal. Every spring it was like opening a new restaurant and retraining staff and I did not think I could continue to maintain the quality of food and service I was happy with. It was sold and new owner closed after only 6 months. The landlords took it back over and it operates again today as The Captains Cove. - Ray