A popular suburban restaurant owner and chef’s life was cut short after a senseless murder Thursday on the Northwest Side.
Police say Peter Rim was driving with his roommate when a man in an SUV pulled up next to them near Diversey Parkway and Pulaski Road and started firing.
Several people told NBC 5 about Rim Friday and every single one of them couldn’t talk about him without tearing up. His customers and friends are determined to keep his legacy alive.
Mark lambert visits Rim’s Lake in the Hills restaurant Bistro Wasabi at least once a week.
"It’s very hard, very hard," Lambert said. "Everybody is just not the same. It’s a very sad situation."
He didn’t know him personally but came to the Mexican and Sushi spot for his presence.
"He was very positive guy, always walking around making sure everybody was happy and had what they need," Lambert said. "Always interacted with his customers and was a very, very good guy."
The 46-year-old restaurant owner and chef was well-known and deeply loved by everyone he came in contact with--even his competition.
Butcher shop owner Tom Yucuis operates a business two doors down.
"I’ve known Peter for 18 years," Yucuis said. "Peter was--I just don’t believe this--it is very hard for me to understand why someone would do this to Peter."
Chicago police are also working to understand why.
Detectives say Rim was shot in the head around 6:45 a.m. Thursday. A friend riding in the backseat was not hurt.
“It’s so hard to understand in Chicago," Yucuis said. "Chicago is a war zone and they need to clean it up. I don’t get this."
Still grappling with Rim’s sudden loss, customers and friends are calling on the community to support his prized places he leaves behind.
"If anyone wants to pay a tribute to him, don’t do flowers and cards but be here for dinner tonight," Yucuis said. "Pack this restaurant. And that’s what I would do and that’s the tribute I would give to Peter."
"I came to eat," Lambert said. "He was a chef so I figured he’d always want people to come."
The friend with Rim says the man who shot him appeared to be in his mid-20s.
Police have not made any arrests.
