This fall, several restaurants will be making grand openings in Chicago. This is good news considering the decline in the number of patrons nationwide. According to Sharon Bernstein in the August 20, 2010, Los Angeles Times article “U.S. restaurants starved for business,” small and mid-size restaurants are being forced to close up shop due to the state of the economy. With that in mind, people still need to eat and relax. What better way to take one’s mind off the pressures of daily stress, then to dine out at a new restaurant? Grand openings are a perfect opportunity for restaurants to gain coverage and media attention by featuring discount deals that couples and families can afford. The following list includes five restaurants that are worth a try.
Makisi Sushi Lounge & Grille
Makisi will be located at 1725 W. Division St. in East Village. Chicago Cut Steakhouse is set to open its doors at the end of this summer. It will be located at 300 LaSalle right on the river and will feature prime cuts of freshly butchered meat.
Gyu-Kaku
Gyu-Kaku, located at 210 E. Ohio St, will be opening its doors by October 2010. According to Gyu-Kaku's website, the Company has locations in California, New York and Hawaii. These locations offer a wide variety of menu items including miso soup, duck, chicken breast, barbequed prime rib eye, barbequed Kobe, sake, and s'mores for dessert. However, actual menu items vary by location.
The Living Room Lounge
The Living Room Lounge, located at 1100 W. Cermak, is currently open on various weekends in anticipation of its grand opening in October 2010. The Living Room Lounge features a mature jazz atmosphere with live music.
Gaztro-Wagon (restaurant on wheels)
Steve Dolinsky from WLS local news reported in the August 18, 2010 article " New concept in meals on the go ", that owners of mobile food trucks are trying to get an ordinance passed that would allow them to prepare the food on the road as opposed to using their kitchens as a base. Owner Matt Maroni currently makes naan-wiches (a variation of a sandwich that can include ingredients such as lobster, braised chicken thighs and pork shoulder, just to name a few) in his Edgewater kitchen and sells them out his vehicle. Although Edgewater (located at 5973 N Clark Street) is currently open, the mobile Gaztro-Wagon won’t be able to completely roll out until the end of fall 2010 or beginning of winter 2011.
Leroy Wheaton - null
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