SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The LaSalle Grill Downtown South Bend is closing its doors for good after dinner Wednesday night, ending nearly 35 years as one of the city’s most celebrated fine dining destinations.
As the final diners made their way in for one last evening out, they were greeted by a sign from Downtown South Bend Inc. thanking LaSalle Grill for 35 years of exceptional service.
The venerable restaurant, known for anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations, first opened April 8, 1991.
“We were founded April 8, 1991, and now we’re coming up on the 35th anniversary 2026, which is a long long time for an independent restaurant in a smaller market,” said Mark McDonnell, founder of LaSalle Hospitality Group, in an interview last month during Downtown Restaurant Weeks.
The last call comes just short of that 35-year milestone.
“Mark McDonnell has positively impacted so much of the downtown dining scene first of all he really set the standard for excellence in hospitality influenced every aspect of our downtown ecosystem. There’s so many chefs and servers and other hospitality who have come through the doors at Cell and then gone onto their own endeavors,” said Willow Wetherall the Executive Director of DTSB Inc.
During his time downtown, McDonnell started the Downtown Dining Association and watched the area around LaSalle Grill transform.
“Well, you know the restaurant business has always been tough, and it’s gotten tougher with rising prices and tariffs and all the rest. We’re obviously sad to see these long-time institutions downtown, but you know there will be others that pick up the torch and carry it forward and do look forward to seeing what comes next,” said South Bend Mayor James Mueller.
Ahead of announcing the closure, McDonnell, who has been more hands off in recent years since his daughter took over, said he was eager about the future of Colfax Avenue.
“There is a lot of things to come and we’re just on the verge of getting started so excited about that,” he said.
Despite the abrupt closure, DTSB is confident the legacy of LaSalle Grill will last.
“We’re gonna continue to see good things to come on this street and in downtown,” Wetherall added.
It is still unclear what is next for the historic building or for customers with gift cards.