Downtown steakhouse Hickok’s closes

Downtown developer Scott Tillman and Patton Alley Pub owners Eric and Julie Zackrison opened Hickok’s, 314 S. Patton Ave., in December 2005. In May 2006, the trio opened the restaurant’s microbrewery led by brew master Dave Lamb, formerly of Ebbets Field. Copperhead India Pale Ale and Calamity Blonde Belgian-style ale were among the microbrew varieties available at Hickok’s.

The Zackrisons later reduced their ownership stake in the restaurant to 10 percent, and Tillman, who did not return a call seeking comment, remains the majority shareholder of Hickok’s, which is located in the former Mansfield Opera House.

Eric Zackrison said he noticed the closed sign hanging in Hickok’s on Sunday morning when stopping by Patton Alley.

Ken Schwab with leasing company Wilhoit Properties said Tillman is actively seeking a new tenant for the Hickok’s space. Negotiations with an undisclosed prospective tenant have been ongoing for about a month, but a letter of intent has not yet been drawn up, Schwab said. He did, however, indicate that a written agreement could be in place by week’s end, based on conversations with the prospective tenant this morning.

The 18,000-square-foot restaurant building is available for lease at $10 per square foot or for purchase at a list price of $1.6 million, Schwab said in an e-mail.

According to previous Springfield Business Journal coverage, Hickok’s can seat 170 people on two floors, with room for another 350 people in a third-floor banquet room.