Route 34’s breakfast lineup in Sandwich is about to change, as Southern Belle’s Pancake House moves into the building that most recently housed Dearborn’s just off U.S. Route 34. The regional breakfast-and-lunch chain plans to bring its pancakes, skillets and sandwich-heavy menu to the site, and the owner has said the new spot could be serving customers as early as June. City officials have confirmed the sale but have not released a firm opening date.
Sandwich City Hall confirmed the sale of the former Dearborn’s building off U.S. Route 34, as reported by WSPY. The outlet quotes owner Don Aleksy saying the Sandwich location “could open in June,” while noting he does not yet have a set opening date.
About the chain
Southern Belle’s operates several suburban Chicago outposts and markets itself as an all-day breakfast and lunch spot; the company lists locations in Yorkville, Plainfield, Barrington and Carpentersville on its Southern Belle’s site. The restaurants emphasize pancakes, skillets and sandwiches and offer both dine-in and carryout options, a menu mix that the Sandwich location is expected to follow.
The building and what was there
The address most associated with Dearborn’s listings is 220 Indian Springs Drive in Sandwich; local business directories show Dearborn’s Cafe operated there and is now listed as closed. That local listing can be seen on Tripadvisor, making Southern Belle’s purchase a notable change for the Route 34 corridor.
When to expect it
City officials and the restaurant have not released details about staffing, renovations or a grand-opening plan. Aleksy told WSPY he hopes the location could open in June if permitting and buildout move quickly. We will update with firm dates, hiring notices and menu details when the company posts them.
