A popular Chicago Ridge dining destination for almost 50 years closed its doors for the last time on Sunday when Billy Boy’s restaurant shut down with little advance warning.
The restaurant at 6400 W. 95th St. in Chicago Ridge announced the closing August 31 on its Facebook page: “From the family and staff at Billy Boy’s…thank you for an amazing 49 years! It was a pleasure serving our community with great food and excellent service! Today was our last day. God bless you all!”
The restaurant opened in 1976 by the Avros, Liapis and Villies families.
The sudden closing caught a lot of customers off guard, according to their messages on Facebook.
Some customers thought the announcement was a joke. “Is this an August 31st joke,” posted David Moy. “Where was the warning?”
Others were not surprised by the sudden shutdown. “They’ve been talking about selling the place for over a year at least,” posted Donald Seputis.
Hopefully they at least let their employees know in advance
Couldn’t wait til their 50th year?? Now what am I supposed to do for ribs??? Thx 4 all the GREAT meals!!!!
Dam, best place for Gyros around….
Definitely agree…
I was there with my friends of mine and I love the food 😋. The people were so nice 😋.
That place sucked, it was overrated..
This article is a disgrace to a family that kept a business open for 49 years, family owned and operated. A staple in all of our lives in the Oak Lawn area. Great food and beyond great owners! I think what this journalist meant to say was….Congratulations on 49 years of serving a community and providing tax dollars to our village that support every school in Chicago Ridge. Thank you to the family that kept the doors open this long when even franchise after franchise have closed their doors within a fraction of this time. The Chicago Ridge mall has changed ownership multiple times alone! You took a man’s legacy and turned it into an article about not giving anyone a heads up when he decides to retire! Will you give us a heads up when you decide to leave this publication?? Do you owe us an explanation? How about an article about how hard this must have been to work in this industry and be successful for this long?
The owner was approached by a reporter and he declined to comment.
As is his right. He wants to retire quietly and he put out a thank you to all of his supporters. That doesn’t justify your negative article, without an ounce of positivity.
Agreed – and I never got the chance to stop by. I was literally just told by a colleague I was missing out on one of the best spots.
The best dam burger is unattainable now.
Had my first gyro there back in the 70’s. Sorry to see them gone.
Scott is obviously an A-Hole
Restaurants?
Like this Once there gone You will.\nNever find another one And today’s world everything’s Garbage want you to pay more money for little bit of garbage.This is one of the last good ones you’ll ever see. God bless the family for being real for all these Years.
Thank you for the best food for almost 50 years . Your staff and menu will be greatly missed .
Darn. I can’t believe it. First, Hog Wild. Now, Billy Boys? That’s pretty sad 😢. These were south suburban icons. There’s nothing like a good meal from a family owned restaurant. It’s not just about the food. This really stinks.
hog wild in on 111th st
Yeah but since Steve passed away the quality has diminished and the Oak Lawn restaurant can’t hold a candle to the Midlothian spot.
Omg!! Why? You’re the best out there! You will be missed! I hope your well do what best for you and family! 🙏♥️
cant compete with all the brand new chicken schwarma opening everywhere around there.
God bless the family that ran Billy Boys. Every one of my family members, especially myself who lives out of state, looked forward to meeting up at Billy Boys for a special occasion meal. Best gyros, Reubens, ribs, burgers, you name it around! It was a staple for my family while I was growing up any time we had something to celebrate. So sorry to see them move on and I hope that someone equally wonderful buys the place to reopen it. They would have big shoes to fill. I hope that person is out there.
The Arabs who bought it are putting up a T-Mobile store. If you got a taste for an iPhone stop by for lunch!!!
Doubt it. They got a big T mobile accross a street. Just got 5G WIFI for 20 bucks a month. Fuck Comacast Xfinity. Not to derail
the subject.
Ah man, this was my go-to place for burgers and fries.
On Thursday, September 4, I was waiting for a #384 Bus 🚌, which was across the street from Billy Boys, when a lady who was waiting with me told me that it is Permantly Closed. I was so Shocked and Heartbroken! They had the Best Tasting Ribs, Burgers, Gyros, Salads, You Name It. And the Hospitality from the Owners was terrific!! They always made me feel so welcome every time I went there. One time, I was in a delimma. The Owners of Billy Boys Helped me out a Lot! From then on, I made a vow to eat there at least once a month! 🍔🥗🍖 I am really going to miss the Great Food and the Warm Hospitality!! 🙂 Wishing the Owners All The Best in Their Future Endeavors!! The End Of An Era!!
Bill and wendy were great. Will.miss my Memphis pulled pork,rib eye steak and burgers. Have a joyful retirement.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. I can’t believe another staple of my home town is gone. Great food, great service, great people. My prayers go out to this family.
Looks like place was for sale since 2023. As of sept 7 2025 its still for sale. I know Bill complained business was not as good since Covid. A bit surprised they walked away without selling it. Then again maybe it sold and was closed after September 7th. Good luck to the owners. That truly had great food. Missing it already.