The Cellar Bistro closes doors after 11 years in downtown Wheaton

WHEATON – A restaurant that had been part of downtown Wheaton's dining scene for 11 years has closed its doors.

The Cellar Bistro recently closed at 132 N. Hale St. after owners Nick and Kathleen Lewis retired. The restaurant originally opened in August 2007.

"Thanks to all our customers for 11 great years," a message on the restaurant's website stated. "We have enjoyed serving you and contributing to the community through various donations. It is time for us to enjoy being grandparents and empty nesters! And wherever you go, please enjoy good food, good wine and good friends!"

Downtown Wheaton Association Executive Director Paula Barrington said the restaurant will be missed.

"It was a true bistro," she said. "It offered a variety of small plate menu items. It was casual dining with personal service. They had a great wine list. There was a time when they did also offer some live entertainment that was very well received. People really enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant. They certainly will be missed."

Barrington said the space would be ideal for another restaurant.

"It's got several things going for it," she said. "No. 1, it's a great location, right there at the corner of Wesley and Hale streets. It's current sidewalk configuration does allow for outdoor seating. When the new streetscape is in place for Wesley and Hale, it's going to allow for a bit more sidewalk space, which will certainly be a plus for outdoor seating."

But as one restaurant closes on North Hale Street, another one is opening. Moveable Feast expects to open soon in the space at 112 N. Hale St. that formerly housed Front Street Cantina.

"We're hoping that sometime in the month of September, you'll be seeing the opening of Moveable Feast, which is one of our new additions," Barrington said.

Moveable Feast is a neighborhood cafe and catering company that brings "artisanal cooking from our kitchen to your table," according to its website.

"We responsibly source our ingredients from local growers to create seasonal salads, sandwiches, meals to-go and fresh baked pastries," its website states. "Every dish we prepare is made from scratch daily, using foods that nourish and support our community."

This will be its second location. Moveable Feast currently has a location in downtown Geneva.