River Tyme Bistro

Many are wondering what is going on with us. Here is the answer, after a bit of back story.

I have Parkinson’s Disease. I was diagnosed 16 years ago at age 38. After an initial period of shock and worry and grief, I adopted the mantra of Keep On Keepin’ On. I went on medication, but other than that, pretty much gave it as little thought as possible.

I went full force into doing what I love - bringing projects to life that have a focus on the great river that runs through our lives and bringing people together in community.

Fast forward to owning and operating 2 river boats and then a restaurant. Add to that all the challenges that hit over the last couple of years, and all the challenges of simply running a restaurant and event space. The stress of the entirety of it all proved slowly to be too much. I began having more hours in each day where the medications didn’t quite work as well. Dopamine is the chemical which is greatly lacking due to Parkinson’s, and that means all of the emotional upset and tears and stress have little chemical balance. Movement and functioning became more difficult. I was truly worried that the progression of the disease was starting to accelerate. It became obvious that it was too much for me.

Accepting that reality took a few months. Trying different approaches to relieve some of the pressure, but keep going as much as possible is largely what you have seen manifest in closing on Wednesdays and then the long thanksgiving break. But, none of those were enough. I realized for my health and my time with family and the good of the business and the space, I needed to step away from managing and owning the bistro.

I love it still and will be around as a consultant and a customer and a friend. Please keep on coming to see us! Please understand that we are going thru a transition period and will figure things out as soon as we ….. they are able. The plan is to be consistent with hours and days open, to find the right scale and size of operation to make it sustainable, and to keep the same gestalt and same great food, so that it continues to be your favorite spot. Thank you for caring and thank you for continuing to support River Tyme Bistro, Fox River Tours, and most of all, me. Candice