PORTAGE PARK — CopaCubana Cafe, a Portage Park Cuban restaurant that’s been closed for more than seven months, won’t be reopening anytime soon as the business is embroiled in an eviction lawsuit.
In September, the property’s landlord filed an eviction lawsuit against the cafe, claiming the business owes more than $28,000 in rent and damages. The restaurant’s owner responded last week with a counterclaim alleging he paid for more than $36,000 in building repairs for which the landlord never reimbursed him.
CopaCubana owner Roberto Ameneiro said in February he hoped to reopen the restaurant April 1. On Monday, days after that target date had passed without a reopening, Ameneiro said the lawsuit has instead made him want to leave the area…