Sycamore's Tom & Jerry's to Reopen After Fire, Announces Temporary Location

Longtime local favorite restaurant plans full rebuild at original site after devastating blaze.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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One week after a fire destroyed Tom & Jerry's Restaurant in Sycamore, the longtime local favorite is already moving toward reopening, announcing plans for a temporary location and a full rebuild at its original site. The restaurant secured a temporary space and is working to prepare it for an early March reopening, while also moving forward with plans to rebuild at the original DeKalb Avenue location.

Why it matters

Tom & Jerry's has served the Sycamore community for over 50 years, and the overwhelming outpouring of support from customers, neighboring businesses, and residents following the fire underscores the restaurant's deep roots and importance to the local community. The quick action to secure a temporary location and commit to rebuilding demonstrates the restaurant's resilience and dedication to continuing to serve its loyal patrons.

The details

The fire broke out early on January 31, 2026, causing severe damage to the Tom & Jerry's building, which was later deemed unsafe and a total loss. No one associated with the restaurant was injured, though one firefighter suffered a minor injury. In the days following the fire, the restaurant's general manager said 'This is more than a restaurant to us. This is our home that we welcome our community into.' Despite the devastating loss, the restaurant's owners say an overwhelming outpouring of support has guided their next steps.

  • The fire broke out on January 31, 2026.
  • The restaurant announced plans for a temporary location on February 8, 2026.
  • The temporary location is expected to reopen by early March 2026.
  • Demolition and construction on the original site will begin immediately after the temporary location opens.

The players

Tom & Jerry's Restaurant

A longtime local favorite restaurant in Sycamore, Illinois that has served the community for over 50 years.

Sarah Meyer

The general manager of Tom & Jerry's Restaurant.

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What they’re saying

“This is more than a restaurant to us. This is our home that we welcome our community into.”

— Sarah Meyer, General Manager (shawlocal.com)

“During this incredibly difficult time for our entire team we have been overwhelmed by the amount of support from friends, family, patrons, fellow businesses, and our community as a whole. We knew the only direction to go was forward, so through our grief and tears we immediately began making plans.”

— Tom & Jerry's Restaurant (shawlocal.com)

“When life hands you lemons, make tzatziki.”

— Tom & Jerry's Restaurant (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.