Belleville bar known for its live bands closes. Here’s why its owner says it’s time.
After a dozen years in business, the owner and operator of Silver Creek Saloon & Grill in Belleville said Tuesday he has closed the nightspot known for its live bands.
“I’m going to say it’s a permanent closure. I’m just sensing that,” said “Jimbo” Sinovic.
Sinovic said 50 to 75 customers who had reservations for banquets have been notified in the past few days. He also expects to list the property at 2520 Mascoutah Ave. for sale.
The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 shutdowns and the evolving nature of the bar business customers are a couple of contributing factors, Sinovic said.
“We just couldn’t rebound from some of the COVID stuff,” he said in reference to the restrictions placed on bars and restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s tough to recoup after you go into shutdown mode and then to ramp things back up.”
Sinovic also noted that customers who went to Silver Creek as 21-year-olds when it opened in 2011 are now 33 and they’re having kids.
“But maybe it is a sign of the times. I’m 55 now and it’s kind of time for me to move on,” Sinovic said. “I had a blast with them, no doubt about it.”
Scott Schmelzel, a longtime friend of Sinovic and the owner of Big Daddy’s 618 at 313 E. Main St. in downtown Belleville, said running businesses such as his and Silver Creek is “very difficult.”
Schmelzel said he was disappointed to hear that Silver Creek had closed and he praised Sinovic for his 12-year run.
Schmelzel invited Silver Creek customers to check out the bars and restaurants in downtown Belleville.
“The downtown district has been very successful,” he said. “Downtown has the venues to book parties.”
This story was originally published June 6, 2023 at 1:48 PM.
