Augie’s Front Burner to close
Thursday, Jun 25, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
[Bumped up to Thursday morning for visibility.]
* One of my favorite places in town and one of the few quality session restaurants left…
The owners of Augie’s Front Burner have decided to close the restaurant after this week.
Saturday will be their last night in business.
The restaurant has been a part of Springfield for more than 22 years.
August “Augie” and Sharon Mrozowski say it is just time to relax and slow things down.
Sharon tells us that closing the restaurant was something they had been considering for quite a while. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it forced Augie to slow down, which is something he has never done, said Sharon.
I’m happy for Augie, but sad for the rest of us.
- Cool Papa Bell - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 5:07 pm:
Augie can flat out cook. One of the best plates of food in Springfield. Food service is a grind. I hope he and his wife enjoy the next phase of life. 22 years of running a place - they have earned it.
- Original Rambler - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 5:31 pm:
Going to miss Augie’s. Loved that lobster bisque.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 5:39 pm:
22 years? Wow, I remember when it was the hot new spot in town. That’s jarring (to my mental health).
So long as Lux and Fritz’s stay open, it’s all good. They’re going to stay open, right?
- Professor - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 5:44 pm:
Too bad, our favorite spot for entertaining or just a quite dinner or lunch. When I used to lobby it was the place to go, and the staff was great — espically Kim the bartender - she became a friend. Too bad.
- LoyalVirus - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 5:46 pm:
Very sad face, and taste buds, and stomach. Augie’s will be missed dearly.
- Excitable Boy - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 6:19 pm:
I don’t remember leaving the last time I ate there, so it’ll be like I never left…
- JoanP - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 6:34 pm:
I think this is the sort of thing we’ll begin to see with more frequency. Businesses will close, not because of COVID-19 per se, but because it gives the owners that little bit of a push to do something that was in the back of their minds already. Just making it happen sooner rather than later.
- Langhorne - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 6:42 pm:
Congratulations to Augie on a terrific run. Love the lobster bisque. As a friend told me, when encouraging me to retire, quit while you still like it. And quit while you can still get off the porch. All the best.
- Go Sox! - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 6:50 pm:
Went there on May 16, 1998 with my family after graduating with my undergrad from UIS. Ended up going there in the years to follow as a young adult working on staff. Many dinners with legislators and colleagues. Great food and memories.
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 7:06 pm:
Sad to hear. Been there many times for personal and business reasons. Always good, always organized. 22 years is a nice run in a very tough business. Thanks for some fine food.
- Frumpy white guy - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 7:07 pm:
Black Bean Cakes were the best! Enjoy retirement Augie!
- RNUG - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 8:34 pm:
I only went there a couple of times a year but I will miss it.
- Mr. K. - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 8:38 pm:
Like I felt hearing Elders in Quincy closed.
Sad.
- Mama - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 9:48 pm:
Good luck to August “Augie” and Sharon Mrozowski in your new adventures. You will be missed.
- Leslie K - Wednesday, Jun 24, 20 @ 10:35 pm:
Best wishes to Augie and Sharon. During my time in Springfield, I could walk around the corner and have an exquisite meal. We will miss you so very much.
- Chatham Resident - Thursday, Jun 25, 20 @ 7:58 am:
Best wishes to Augie and Sharon in their retirement. Hoping that a new restaurant (and not a bar, or worse yet, an empty storefront for years) can go in the soon-to-be vacant Augie’s site downtown.
==I think this is the sort of thing we’ll begin to see with more frequency. Businesses will close, not because of COVID-19 per se, but because it gives the owners that little bit of a push to do something that was in the back of their minds already.==
About a month or two ago, Sam Madonia had stated on 1450’s “AM Springfield” a few times that he personally knew of about 5 Springfield restaurants that will close for good once the indoor seating restrictions ease. He didn’t name names, but he said (pharaphrasing) that “some you’ll recognize and be surprised about.” I don’t know if Augie’s was among that five.
I’ve heard some people say that TGI Friday’s in Springfield has closed–but I haven’t been there in 13 years, nor have made a special trip to check for myself.
And yet Springfield is slated to still get a Portillo’s in the worst possible (due to poor highway design and bad light timing) traffic location in town (the old Walgreen’s at Parkway Pointe). I think it’s going to be tough to open any restaurant (ranging from a chain fast-food place to gourmet restaurants) for years in the wake of this pandemic.