After nearly 30 years at Alton Square Mall, Olga’s Kitchen is preparing to close its doors at the end of the year. The Michigan-based Mediterranean restaurant will serve its final customers on Dec. 28, marking the end of the chain’s last remaining location in Illinois.
While the Alton storefront is closing, Olga’s most popular menu items won’t be leaving. Beginning Dec. 29, Olga’s will partner with Mac’s Downtown Alton to operate a kitchen inside the locally owned restaurant at 315 Belle St. The partnership will bring favorite dishes like the Original Olga, Olga’s Snackers Basket, soups and seasoned curly fries to Mac’s menu.
Mac’s owner Rob Lenhardt said Olga’s approached him as the company worked to move away from mall locations. After considering the logistics, Lenhardt agreed the partnership was a good fit and would help draw a stronger lunch crowd with a different customer base than its evening diners.
The collaboration is also part of a larger expansion, as Lenhardt plans to open a second Mac’s location in Belleville in late spring 2026 at the former 4204 Main Street Brewing Company site. The new space, which will feature both Mac’s and Olga’s menu items, will include a restaurant, bar and event venue designed to serve weddings, private parties and community gatherings.