The property owner of the strip mall that contains the vacant Boxa restaurant made a firm commitment to replacing the popular establishment by Jan. 1, 2010, with another restaurant.

Kirby Johnson, owner of the strip mall that has businesses such as Positively 4th Street Records and Cam’s Computer Sales and Services, said he has received half a dozen phone calls already from people interested in the vacant property. The calls range from a law firm to restaurants to a hair salon.

“I’m not renting that out to anybody except for a restaurant,” Johnson said.

He said the location is ideal for an affordable restaurant because it is close to campus but also visible to the rest of the community.

He said he intends to be methodical during the next six weeks in trying to find the best restaurant for the community.

Johnson said an affordable restaurant seems logical for both the community and students given the state of the economy and the fact that students lack a disposable income.

“It seems like a better fit for the university and town,” he said.

Boxa, which opened in 2000, closed during the weekend. The restaurant was known for its original pizza and grinder sandwiches.

Johnson said Mike Boksa, owner of the restaurant, did not tell him the exact reasons why he closed Boxa.

“Every business closes for the same reason,” he said, alluding to a loss of profit.

Johnson said Boksa dedicated his time and money to keeping AJ’s Restaurant and Bar, which featured a sit-in atmosphere, open.

Although he does not know for sure, Johnson said that dedication to keeping the restaurant open could have hurt Boksa’s original business – Boxa. AJ’s closed in the spring.

As for the vacancy, Johnson said he is confident the former restaurant will be occupied soon.

“I won’t have a problem renting the space out,” he said.

Boksa could not be reached for comment.

Stephen Di Benedetto can be reached at 581-7942 or

sdibenedetto@eiu.edu.