March 29, 2024
Local News | Kane County Chronicle


Local News

St. Charles bar struggles to stay afloat in face of new COVID-19 restrictions

Ed's Basement launches fundraising campaign

ST. CHARLES – As a ban on indoor service at restaurants and bars took effect across Kane County on Friday because of rising COVID-19 infections, one of St. Charles' newest bars has started a GoFundMe campaign to try and stay afloat.

Ed's Basement opened in August at 219 W. Main St. in downtown St. Charles. The bar, which is distinctly different than other drinking establishments, features arcade games and a cozy movie theater with seating for eight.

Co-owner Ed Simbol organized the fundraiser. It literally is his basement, as he lives just above the business.

His business partners in Ed’s Basement are Brandon Andriola and Rick Muermann.

"The simple truth is that while you all have been so good to us in the few months we have been open, Ed’s Basement may not be able to weather the storm without a little more help from our amazing support system," states a post on the fundraising page. "Our building was constructed in 1908 and getting it up to code was no easy (or cheap) endeavor. We have a few tricks up our sleeve: an outdoor beer garden, merch for sale and focusing on facilitating to-go orders."

As of Friday, more than $1,000 had been raised towards a $10,000 goal.

"Please support all of our local businesses," the post states. "We are all in this together and with the support of our communities we can ALL come out of this better than before!"

Along with the ban on indoor service, bars and restaurants must close at 11 p.m. In addition, meetings, social events and gatherings are limited to the lesser of 25 guests or 25% of overall room capacity both indoors and outdoors.