A beloved Peoria-area burger joint will close this month. But the site isn't dead for good

KICKAPOO — Ludy's Kickapoo Creek Saloon, for three decades known for some of central Illinois' biggest burgers, is shutting down at the end of the month.

Lynn and Dan Ludolph, owners of the venerable pub at 9827 W. U.S. Route 150, are taking the business with them into retirement.

"I'm going to be sad," Lynn Ludolph told The Journal Star. "... We're done."

However, the site will not go dark for good. The owner of the building, Mike Hanley — the originator of the saloon — said Tuesday that he plans to reopen the bar in November and restart the kitchen next summer. 

Our latest review:Ludy's still delivers on reputation as area's top burger bistro

In 1986, during the sesquicentennial celebration of Kickapoo Township, Hanley converted an old residence into a bar he dubbed the Kickapoo Creek Saloon, later adding a kitchen. Eight years later, he sold the business (but not the property) to Charlie and Barb Ludolph, who added "Ludy's" to the shingle out front. 

The couple, the parents of Dan Ludolph, retired 17 years ago. Since then, Lynn Ludolph, who has worked at the establishment since day one, has run the place.

The cozy operation is casual — you can still get a Hamm's draft for a buck — with an interior swathed in wood paneling and dotted with neon beer signs. The menu includes a slew of appetizers and sandwiches, including a pork tenderloin of renown.

"That was my recipe, for the seasoning," Charlie Ludolph, 79, said while having a bowl of chili for lunch Monday at Ludy's. "It took me six months to get it right. But that recipe comes with me. It's going bye-bye."

He paused and glanced around, then added, "We've had a good run."

Much of that success has derived from the fame of Ludy's burgers. They're decidedly basic, with no froufrou or trendy ingredients or combinations — just the "Famous Burger" and cheeseburger.

Still, juicy and messy, they've drawn diners from across the country and beyond, as evidenced by a pushpin map marking hometowns of visitors from across the United States. The pub is no stranger to foreign travelers who somehow found Ludy's and Kickapoo.

The business continues to be popular, to no small degree in its role as a community touchpoint. But in recent years, Lynn and Dan Ludolph talked of getting out of the restaurant business.

"I always wanted to retire by age 60," she said. "And I turned 60 last summer."

She and her 58-year-old husband have no exact retirement plans. But they look forward to being able to travel without worrying about running a restaurant.

"We're looking for a little freedom," she said.

More to eat:Craving something new? These 12 Peoria-area restaurants have opened in 2021

The couple's two adult, out-of-state daughters declined to take over. So, the couple decided to wind things down. They recently broke the news to their 20-plus workers, several of whom have been at Ludy's for 16 years or more.

"Like us, they're sad," Lynn Ludolph said. "But they understand. They get it."

She expects extra foot traffic during the last three weeks of business as longtime clientele file in to say goodbye. On Monday, a familiar group of women stopped in for lunch, reminiscing about their many meals there. Dee King, who lives nearby, said she has been coming to the place all of its 27 years.

What will she miss most about Ludy's?

"The people," she said. "And the burgers." 

Ludy's will host a farewell party Oct. 23. Business will continue through last call on Halloween, until its state liquor license runs out at 11:59 p.m.

More burger choices:5 of the best places to get a tasty burger in the Peoria area. Here's why we chose them

The Ludolphs will have the first week in November to clear out. Meanwhile, some cleanup already has begun. Some memorabilia, like trophies for Ludy's-sponsored bowling teams, are being snapped up by customers. Other items, such as the pushpin map, will remain.

But not the Ludolphs.

"The support from family, friends, community, customers and staff has been incredible through the years," Lynn Ludolph said. "We are so grateful for that."

Hanley, 63, said he already had planned to retire from his job as an operating engineer. He now plans to go almost directly from construction to barkeeping.

Right now, he is obtaining the proper local and state licenses to run the pub in his name. It will again be known as The Kickapoo Creek Saloon, likely to reopen the second week in November, he said.

At first, the kitchen will remain closed, Hanley said.

"Winter is a little slow," he said.

He said he will invite some Ludy's employees to work for him. However, he said he cannot employ them all, as he will not need kitchen help for several months.

"We'll reassess the menu for the summer," he said. "Most likely, the burgers will come back."

Phil Luciano is a Journal Star columnist. He can be reached at pluciano@pjstar.com and (309) 686-3155. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.