The Story
When Don Roth opened his Wheeling location in 1969, he brought the same formula that had made the original Blackhawk on Wabash Avenue a Chicago legend: huge portions of prime rib, professional service, and the famous 21-ingredient spinning salad bowl presented tableside from a rolling cart.
For four decades, Don Roth's Blackhawk was the special occasion restaurant for the Northwest suburbs. Business deals were sealed, anniversaries celebrated, and generations of families watched in amazement as servers spun those oversized wooden bowls with theatrical flair.
Don Roth passed away in 2003 at age 90. His widow Ann continued operating the restaurant until December 31, 2009, when she made her announcement: 'With my 90th birthday on the horizon and none of my children in a position to assume responsibility for the family business, it will be better to close Don's last restaurant while it still is a going concern.' The building was demolished in 2014.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Massive cuts carved tableside, the centerpiece of every Blackhawk meal
The 21-ingredient theatrical presentation that made the restaurant famous
💡 Did You Know?
- The original Blackhawk on Wabash (1920-1984) was famous for Big Band radio broadcasts in the 1920s-30s
- Don Roth introduced the spinning salad bowl in 1952
- The Wheeling building was demolished in March 2014
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Building demolished March 2014
Original Address: 61 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090