Peru Right Spice Closes After 23 Years; Deja Vu Enters Final Season

Two established businesses in the Peru and Ottawa areas are closing after decades of operation. The closures affect a Peruvian restaurant and a home decor shop, marking the end of long tenures in their respective communities.

The Right Spice, located at 2102 4th St. in Peru, will close its doors on New Year's Eve. Owner George Steinbach stated in a Facebook post that the restaurant is ending a 23 year run. Steinbach and his wife, Deanna, expressed gratitude to customers in a joint statement. They described their patrons as family and thanked them for weekly support. The couple hopes a new owner will take over the establishment.

The restaurant is currently listed for sale at $485,000. This price tag covers the business as it enters its final months of operation. The closure represents the end of an era for a local dining option that has served the Peru area since the early 2000s.

In downtown Ottawa, Deja Vu is preparing for its final Christmas season. Owner Linda Reed announced her retirement on the business Facebook page. The home decor and floral shop at 716 La Salle St. has been in operation for 28 years. Reed stated that last weekend marked the last open house for the general public.

Deja Vu will hold specific hours for the holiday season. The Christmas open house will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Regular holiday hours will follow a standard schedule from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Reed did not announce a specific closing date but encouraged customers to redeem gift certificates.

The building at 716 La Salle St. has housed Deja Vu since 2002. The property was restored to its original state before the shop moved in. Prior to Deja Vu, the location served as Leslie Shoes and before that as JC Penney. The structure remains a historic fixture in the downtown area.

Wilson Family Christmas Tree is opening two new locations for the holidays. The Ottawa location at 1525 N. 3050th Road will open on Friday, Nov. 20. A second location will open at Wilson’s General Store at 627 Clark St. in Utica on the same date. The Utica site will sell wreaths, garland, and greenery but will not stock pre cut trees. Both locations will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Lodi Tap House is also on the market in Utica. The historic two story masonry building at 101 Mill St. dates to 1874. It was formerly home to Duffy’s Tavern and underwent renovations in 2019. The listing includes the restaurant building, adjacent beer garden property, and all furnishings and equipment. The asking price is $850,000. The current owners are selling due to other business interests and a lack of time to devote to the operation.