Forest Inn celebrates 75 years: Morrison restaurant continues to draw customers from throughout Midwest

MORRISON – Legend has it that a bourbon at the Forest Inn gave final inspiration for mathematician John Atanasoff’s blueprint of the first digital computer.

Owner Ajdim Bajrami will gladly tell you the story of how Atanasoff likely stopped at the Morrison restaurant on a snowy night in 1937, on his way from Ames, Iowa, to Chicago, and sketched a blueprint on a Forest Inn cocktail napkin.

"This restaurant has history, here," said the 52-year-old former police officer from Macedonia.

The Forest Inn Restaurant and Lounge has been welcoming guests to the same U.S. Route 30 location for 75 years, through two remodeling projects and five owners. Bajrami wants to ensure it'll be here for another 75.

Some swear by Forest Inn's food.

Prophetstown residents Don and Lorraine Hand have been dining at the Forest Inn since before their marriage in 1951.

"We come here for a lot of special occasions," Lorraine said, surrounded by eight other guests who were celebrating the end of a late December harvest. "You always see someone you know."

Bajrami bought the restaurant from David Kennedy in 1993, remodeled it inside and out in 1999, and hopes to someday pass it on to his children.

Bajrami proudly displays 100 percent compliance reports from the Whiteside County Health Department. He shows off the flawless woodwork and custom bar he designed. And he personally greets just almost customers as they enter, while they eat, and as they leave.

"The last 10 years have been the best there is," Bajrami said. "Ask anyone."

Laurie Hill of Thomson agrees.

"This is my absolute favorite place to come," Hill said. "We come here for anniversaries, birthdays, any reason I can think of, ... and Ajdim here, he takes good care of us."

A faded picture of founder Irma Ritzman hangs on the restaurant's deep red cherry-wood paneling in the foyer.

Her philosophy of making dinner a destination, rather than a meal, holds true today.

Bajrami gets the food out fast, but he encourages guests to be patient as they eat – enjoy the unique flavors and take time to talk.

Ronald Reagan was one who stopped. The Tampico native and longtime Dixon resident is said to have made the restaurant a regular stop while visiting General Electric as an up-and-coming actor.

General Electric, once the third-largest employer in Whiteside County, held corporate banquets there. A dated General Electric sign hangs on a wall in the lounge.

"A lot happened here," Bajrami said. "It feels like home, now."

About the Forest Inn

The Forest Inn and Lounge, a family restaurant with a formal atmosphere, is at 20657 Lincoln Road (U.S. Route 30) east of Morrison.

It is open 4:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Meals are modestly priced and range from around $10 for sandwiches to $35 for steaks and seafood. All steaks are hand cut and trimmed on site.

Reservations are not required but are encouraged. The restaurant has a banquet room to accommodate private parties.

For more information, call the Forest Inn at 815-772-4557.