Paul’s Family Restaurant Celebrated for 65 Years in Elgin

Paul’s Family Restaurant, a long-standing establishment in Elgin, was celebrated as a significant local institution on Friday. Approximately 75 people, including friends, family, and local officials, gathered at the restaurant’s location on Lawrence Avenue and McLean Boulevard to commemorate its 65th anniversary in Elgin.

This is an institution, said state Senator Cristina Castro. She read an Illinois Senate proclamation honoring the restaurant. When we have an institution like Paul’s, we need to celebrate, cherish it and keep it safe. It’s like coming home to your family.

Elaine Paul, the owner of Paul’s Family Restaurant, responded with emotion as Senator Castro shared her memories of the establishment. The restaurant, known for its family-oriented atmosphere, marked its 65 years of operation.

Mayor David Kaptain also highlighted the significance of this milestone, recalling a time when a consultant told city council members that most restaurants survive only about two years. If you last five years, you’re an institution, he remarked. Sixty-five years in business in this town and still being successful is incredible.

John and Stella Paul, Greek immigrants, originally opened the restaurant as Douglas Coffee Shop on Division Street in 1961 with a mere $200 to start their business. They later relocated to the current address on Lawrence Avenue. Their daughter, Elaine Paul, took over the business in the mid-1990s to ensure it remained in the family when her parents retired.

Elaine, reflecting on her parents’ journey, stated that like many Greek immigrants, their primary objective was to provide her with the best education. She attended Northwestern University, graduated from law school, and worked in Washington, D.C.

When her parents decided to retire, she chose to maintain the family legacy. I’m the only child, and I wasn’t ready to see it go to someone else, she said. I thought I’d keep it a few years, and here we are 30-some years later. Stella Paul passed away in 2015.

Elaine mentioned that her father, John, now 97, was in good health until earlier this year when he was diagnosed with stage 1 colorectal cancer. Although he hoped to attend the anniversary celebration, health issues prevented his presence.

Despite challenges, especially following the pandemic, Elaine remains committed to preserving her parents’ legacy. It’s really been a labor of love, she explained. And it’s really been to honor my parents because I was always so proud of them.

Rick West contributed reporting to this story.