Permanently Closed

June 16, 2026

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Obituary For Todd Schmitgall

Memorial Wall On FaceBook

To our Dovetail family,

First and foremost, thank you.

The love, prayers, condolences, stories, and support shown over the past several weeks have meant more than words can express. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has reached out and shared memories of Todd and The Dovetail Inn.

If you knew Todd, you knew he never met a stranger. Whether it was your first visit or your hundredth, he welcomed you like an old friend. What started as a restaurant became something much more-a gathering place where conversations were shared, friendships were formed, and everyone had a seat at the table.

The Dovetail Inn was never just a business to Todd. Some people build restaurants, Todd built relationships. It was his passion, his pride, and a reflection of the way he lived his life. The food brought people through the door, but it was Todd who kept them coming back.

He poured his heart into every meal served, every customer greeted, and every relationship built within these walls.

After much thought and with heavy hearts, we have made the difficult decision to close The Dovetail Inn.

While this chapter is coming to an end, the memories created here will remain with us forever. The laughter, stories, celebrations, and friendships that filled this place are part of Todd’s legacy, and that legacy will continue to live on through all of you.

To every customer, friend, employee, vendor, and member of our community who supported Todd throughout the years-thank you. You were never just patrons to him. You were family.

We will forever be grateful for the years, memories, and friendships that The Dovetail Inn brought into our lives.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and for allowing Todd to be part of yours.

While this chapter is coming to an end, we hope the memories made here never have to. So to help preserve those memories, we plan to leave this page active.

We invite anyone whose life was touched by Todd or The Dovetail Inn to share your stories, photographs, and memories in the comments on this Facebook post. Whether it is a favorite meal, a funny conversation, a special celebration, or simply a moment that made you smile, we would love for this page to become a place where Todd’s legacy can continue to live on through the people who knew him.

The laughter, friendships, and sense of community that filled The Dovetail Inn were the things Todd cherished most. We hope those memories will continue to bring comfort and connection for years to come.

With sincere gratitude…

Share Our Food With Friends And Family

Welcome to Our Restaurant

Our restaurant was established in 2022 in Emden, Illinois. With over 20 years of experience and based on a perfect mix of traditional and modern recipes, we’re proud to offer the best foods in the area and a dining experience like no other.

See Our Menu

Outstanding Moderm Cuisine

Our restaurant was est in 2022 in Emden, Illinois. With over 20 years of experience and based on a perfect mix of traditional and modern recipes, we’re proud to offer the best foods in the area and a dining experience like no other.

See Our Menu

Ultimate Dinning Experience

Our restaurant was established in 2022 in Emden, Illinois. With over 20 years of experience and based on a perfect mix of traditional and modern recipes, we’re proud to offer the best foods in the area and a dining experience like no other.

See our menu

Hours and Menu

Check out our hours and menu…

We’re Located at:

  219 Lincoln Street, Emden, Illinois 62635

  (217) 376-3683

  info@TheDovetailInn.com

Hours

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m

Breakfast Hours: Tuesday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. / Saturday 5:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Lunch Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m / Saturday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Dinner Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4:30p.m-8:00 p.m. / Friday-Saturday 4:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

On-Site Grilling & Frying: Dovetail Inn’s Mobile Event Catering

Dovetail Inn Hits the Road with Delicious Dining Experience

Dovetail Inn is taking its culinary delights on the road! Known for its exceptional family dining, Dovetail Inn now offers the unique opportunity to bring its mouthwatering food directly to your doorstep. This fantastic new service is perfect for golf outings, large gatherings, parties, and special events.

Todd Schmitgall, the force behind Dovetail Inn, has crafted a custom trailer equipped with a charcoal grill and fryers. This means you can sit back and relax while the Dovetail team prepares your favorite grilled and fried dishes right on-site. It’s the perfect solution for your large event, looking to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle of preparation and cleanup.

For more information about this exciting new service or to book your private party, don’t hesitate to call Dovetail Inn at 217-376-3683 or call / text Todd personally at 309-361-8784.

And if you’re in the mood for a delightful meal out, make sure to visit the Dovetail Inn at 219 Lincoln St., Emden. Experience food the way it used to be—homemade and hand-breaded. Take a relaxing drive to Emden and treat yourself to a delicious meal that captures the essence of classic home cooking.

 

Latest Specials

2026 - Dovetail's Weekend of Love - Specials for February 13 and 14 

2026 - Dovetail's Corned Beef & Cabbage 

2026 - Family Chicken Special

Voted Best New Restaurant 2023

Voted Best New Restaurant 2023

As Featured on You Gotta Eat!!!


As featured on “You Gotta Eat” on Channel 25, drop in when you gotta eat:

https://www.25newsnow.com/2022/11/25/you-gotta-eat-dovetail-inn/

About Our Restaurant

Over 20 years delivering deliciousness

Thank you for stopping by our website!

Inspired by traditional recipes and modern cooking styles, we’re proud to deliver the best foods in the area.

Our goal is to provide you the best dining experience from a friendly and attentive wait staff in a beautiful, relaxed, romantic space.

Please feel free to browse our site for the best deals and latest menus. We look forward to serving you in the nearest future.

From Our Happy Customers

"Definitely Recommend"


Definitely recommend Dovetail Inn…worth the drive to enjoy a relaxed comfortable atmosphere free of the franchises found in larger towns. Support small town business – great food, great staff, great chef!

– Gary O. –

"Pleasureable Experience"


I had the pleasure of eating dinner at the Dovetail Inn last evening. The side salad….it is NOT just a side salad, everyone! It had all kinds of good stuff included. The prime rib and mushrooms, though. OH MY! The best I have ever eaten. Make the drive. Take your own cocktails and go. You won’t be sorry! I cannot wait to go back.

– Martha F. –

"Pefection"


I just had one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. Everything was cooked perfectly. I highly recommend the blackened salmon with baked potato and a side salad with homemade ranch dressing. Service was great they had a lot of help and it was price awesome too. Thank you for an awesome meal!! We will go back for sure.

– Cindy L. –