Jason and Jim Ebel, co-owners of Two Brothers Brewing Company, announced Wednesday their purchase of America's Historic Roundhouse in Aurora.
The Roundhouse's former owner, Scott Ascher, filed for bankruptcy in February and put the building up for sale to pay debts and back taxes. Ascher said the failing economy is to blame for the restaurant and brewpub losing nearly $1 million in business between 2007 and 2008.
The Palatine pub Durty Nellie's at the time was planning to buy the building, but Warrenville-based craft brewers Two Brothers moved forward instead to take ownership.
"This opportunity allows us to continue to expand our passion for beer, love of food and appreciation for great architecture," said Jason Ebel in a statement.
The Ebel brothers, who also own Two Brothers Tap House, plan to keep the Roundhouse a restaurant and venue. They also confirmed that wedding and banquet facility events will be held according to schedule.
The Roundhouse is listed in the National Register as the oldest limestone roundhouse in the United States. Originally created in 1865 for the Chicago and Aurora Railroad, it was abandoned in 1974. In 1995, Walter Payton led a group of investors to purchase the building and convert it.
