Shakou to close St. Charles location by end of month

ST. CHARLES – Shakou has announced that it will close its restaurant in downtown St. Charles and move its staff to its newest location in Naperville.

"Due to the success of our brand, we have decided to repurpose our St. Charles location to facilitate our growing needs," Shakou announced on its Facebook page. "Effective June 30, we will be closing to the public to begin the transition and are happy to announce that our staff in St. Charles will be joining us in our newest Naperville location. We look forward to seeing all of our St. Charles customers at our other locations and appreciate your continued support."

Shakou will continue to own the space at 312 W. Main St. The new location in Naperville is expected to open July 15.

"Repurposing this space is needed for corporate and executive chef needs," Shakou officials said in the Facebook post. "Further plans for this location will be announced as they are confirmed. We will not be reopening the restaurant at our St. Charles location."

Shakou, which offers modern Japanese cuisine in an urban vibe setting, opened in downtown St. Charles in 2015. It has other locations in Libertyville, Barrington, Park Ridge and Arlington Heights.

“We are trying to create a city vibe in the suburbs, while doing a tremendous product and great service, and having just a very, very fun atmosphere,” Shakou founder Aleks Dupor said at the time the St. Charles location opened.

Shakou’s main floor features a dining room with a sushi bar and a cocktail lounge with a bar. The restaurant’s second floor features a sake room for small groups and an upper mezzanine with a spacious bar area for before-dinner drinks and cocktail celebrations.