Evanston resident Jeff Russell had already passed ownership to his daughter, Maria, before he passed away Sept. 12.
Two months after Cross-Rhodes founder Jeff Russell's death, business is back to normal at the Greek restaurant at 913 Chicago Ave. Russell died Sept. 12 from injuries sustained from a fall. The restaurant closed that day and held a memorial gathering from the following evening, which brought in hundreds of people who wanted to celebrate his life. “They were going out the door until 9:30,” says owner Maria Russell, Jeff's daughter. “I don’t think my father knew how much he was loved in the city. I think he would be in awe. It’s one thing to know that people are supportive. It’s another thing to physically see it. It was so wonderful to see how many people really did care about him and were touched by him.” Related: Cross-Rhodes Restaurant …
The Greek fixture at 913 Chicago Ave. was closed on Wednesday after founder and longtime Evanston resident Jeff Russell passed away early this morning.
After Cross-Rhodes owner Jeff Russell died Wednesday, members of the community are invited to stop by the restaurant at 913 Chicago Ave. this Thursday. “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Cross-Rhodes owner and longtime Evanston resident Jeff Russell,” read a message on the Greek restaurant’s Facebook page. “Jeff was a bright light in our community, a fixture in the neighborhood for decades, and he will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and the countless customers who passed through the doors of this popular establishment,” the message continued. “His humor, his generosity, his loyalty, and his humanity will never be matched.” According to another posting on the restaurant’s Facebook page, Russell died early…
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Cross-Rhodes
913 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL
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victoria smith
7:06 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
It was wonderful to see all of the people who attended Jeff's memorial last night at his restaurant. The gathering of friends, family and patrons showing their support, love and grattitude to a person who gave so much to the Evanston community. He will be missed by so many.I hope his daughter keeps the restaurant. Jeff won't be there but, his spirit and energy will be. more ›