Shakou restaurant in St. Charles reopening its doors Thursday

Shakou is bringing its modern Japanese cuisine and urban vibe back to downtown St. Charles.

After being closed since June 2019, Shakou on Thursday will reopen its restaurant at 312 W. Main St. Shakou has other locations in Libertyville, Barrington, Park Ridge and Arlington Heights.

Kane County Chronicle reporter Eric Schelkopf conducted an email interview with Shakou founder Aleks Dupor about the restaurant’s reopening and what measures are being put in place to protect patrons and staff during the pandemic.

Eric Schelkopf: When the restaurant in St. Charles closed in June 2019, plans were to repurpose it for corporate and executive chef needs. What made you want to reopen the restaurant?

Aleks Dupor: The plans for the St. Charles location had to change due to the impact Covid-19 had on our industry. We’ve adjusted our menu offerings and utilizing the St. Charles location as a commissary no longer fit the newly modified brand needs.

We had been receiving multiple pleas to return since we left, so we knew it would be best to return to our second location as an operating location of Shakou Restaurants.

Schelkopf: You made a lot of people happy when you announced you were reopening. Does that make you happy that so many people are enthused about the restaurant and that you are making the right decision in reopening the restaurant?

Dupor: We have always loved the people, businesses and charitable organizations we worked with in the city of St. Charles and surrounding areas. Deciding to repurpose the building was a difficult decision for our team because this town had become like family to us.

The response at our closing announcement was overwhelming and we can’t wait to get back to reestablishing a favorite go to destination in this area. We know everyone is going to love the changes we have made including a rewards program and online ordering for carryout and delivery options from well-loved delivery companies like Grubhub and DoorDash.

Schelkopf: Will you again be open for lunch and dinner? When you reopen, will there be changes to the menu? Are you adding to the menu?

Dupor: The new hours for all locations of Shakou Restaurants are Tuesday – Sunday for dinner only. We have made changes to the menu. To view our carryout and dining menus, please visit shakourestaurants.com.

Schelkopf: What measures have you had to put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Dupor: Reservations are required. Patrons can book online at shakourestaurants.com or find us on the Resy app to book. All patrons and staff must adhere to mask protocols.

The disinfecting and sanitation procedures recommended by the health department and CDC are standard policy at all locations of Shakou Restaurants.

Schelkopf: For those who don’t feel comfortable yet with sitting in a restaurant, will you be doing carryout, curbside pick and delivery at your St. Charles location?

Dupor: Absolutely, we have added convenient online ordering directly from Shakou’s website for carryout. Shakou Restaurants is also on Grubhub and DoorDash for your convenience.

Schelkopf: What is the best part of being able to reopen the St. Charles location?

Dupor: The people! We cannot wait to see everyone. Thanks for welcoming us back, St. Charles.

We think you will enjoy the new look and vibe and the safe return of social life at Shakou St. Charles.