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Nov 13, 2008 3:42 pm US/Central
Historic Choo Choo Diner May Get Derailed
DES PLAINES, Ill. (CBS) ―
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The Choo Choo restaurant in Des Plaines is an institution for its toy train-delivered hamburgers, but it may be in the way of city progress.
CBS
A beloved suburban diner is in danger of closing. Generations of kids have made the trip to the Choo Choo. Now, though, the city of Des Plaines may have plans to derail its future, CBS 2's Mike Puccinelli reports.
It's the noon whistle at the Choo Choo restaurant, a place where the hamburgers and fries come on wheels.
It's something that the old black-and-white photos show has been happening at this one-of-a-kind restaurant for nearly 60 years. For generations, the Choo Choo has been a favorite for children from the region and beyond. But now the last hamburger train might soon leave the station.
Jean Paxton, the landmark's owner, says she's been informed that the city would like to build a new police station, possibly right where the Choo Choo has stood since 1951.
"I'm disappointed in their decision in their decision, because the Choo Choo brings so much to this town." Paxton said.
Paxton says Des Plaines needs to preserve its history, especially when it continues to draw thousands of visitors to the town each month. That's why she intends to fight the development plan and has put up a sign urging people to help by visiting
www.savethechoochoo.com.
Andrea Capasso of Chicago first started coming to the Choo Choo as a kid. Now she comes with her kids. She believes city officials should look for another parcel of land.
"I don't know if it's really necessary," Capasso said. "Do they have to build something right here?"
Nancy Bang of Prospect Heights says she'll be in a bit of a spot if the restaurant is forced to close because her grandkids love the Choo Choo as much as her own children did decades ago, when they celebrated birthdays in the restaurant – much as kids do today.
"When you see your grandchildren sitting in that same little train doing the same things that your own children did, it's a feeling I can't describe," Bang said.
We tried to speak with the mayor, the city manager and the city's economic development director. No one was available to go on camera.
Paxton would like to see the restaurant incorporated into the new development plan so that it can remain.
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