Finn’s Grill launches bid to buy Luebbe’s Bar & Grill

Luebbe’s Bar & Grill made the decision to sell in June, announcing the news on its Facebook page. Finn’s Grill owner Joe Ende, originally from Andalusia, knows the owners through other businesses and made an offer.

Ende said he admires what Luebbe’s owner, Trina Luebbe, has done with the business, 101 6th Ave. W, Andalusia.

“When we heard that she was motivated to sell, we wanted to try to preserve this foundation that she has created over the last seven years in this community, and we felt the only way to do that was to protect it by purchasing it,” Ende said.

He is seeking to give it a name change related to Finn’s, which is located at 527 Second St. W, Milan.

Still, he wants to keep much of Luebbe’s the same: the beloved menu, staff and overall atmosphere unchanged. He plans to integrate Luebbe’s into Finn’s and use some of the proceeds to expand his company’s existing community giving programs.

“We donate 7.5% of the gross profit from each transaction back to the community, either through our free Christmas events or through donations or fundraisers for families in need,” Ende said. “We care deeply about the community that supports us, and if they ever need help, they know they can ask for it.”

The transition is still in its early stages. Ende said the offer from Finn’s owners had just been accepted and he was in the process of putting together financing that would allow him to achieve his goal of retaining staff and growing the business.

If all goes well, he said, the sale will be finalized in September. To minimize downtime, he plans to train staff in August for a smooth transition.

Until then, updates will be posted on social media at facebook.com/finnsgrill.milan.il.