Tilted Kilt closes in Chicago Ridge

The Tilted Kilt closed in October at Chicago Ridge Mall. (Photo by Bob Bong)

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Las Vegas-based Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery at Chicago Ridge Mall closed without warning Oct. 29 and workers have leveled the building.

The pub — sort of a Gaelic cousin of Hooters with bosomy waitresses wearing plaid miniskirts and open midriffs — occupied an out lot at the mall, according to a mall spokeswoman. She said the pub closed at 2 a.m. Oct. 29 and never reopened.

Kelly McNamara, an account manager with FishmanPR who represents Tilted Kilt, said in an email, "We were notified yesterday (Thursday) at 2:30pm PST of the closure and are still gathering the details. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available."

An extensive renovation of the building is planned, Matt Robitaille, a superintendent with Venture Construction Co., based in Greensboro, N.C., said last week.

The plans call for an expansion, he said, and the opening of Miller’s Alehouse is tentatively scheduled for April, he said.

The Chicago Ridge location was the chain's only spot in the south suburbs. It opened several years ago in a former Bennigan's restaurant.

There were plans in 2012 to open a Tilted Kilt in the former Fat Ricky’s at 16255 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, but that project never moved forward.

There were rumors about the same time that a Tilted Kilt was planned for the Boulevard Plaza at 191st Street and LaGrange Road in Mokena – fueled in part because a Tilted Kilt van was parked there for several weeks – but nothing ever materialized.

There are still nearby Tilted Kilt locations in Joliet, Bolingbrook and Merrillville in northwest Indiana.

Durbin's opens in Summit

The Burbank-based Durbin's Restaurant chain opened its latest location earlier this month on Archer Road in Summit.

"It's a nice fit for us," said Durbin's owner Tom McAuliffe, of Palos Hills.

The restaurant at 5719 S. Archer Road is smaller than most Durbin's locations at about 2,000-square-foot, but serves a typical Durbin's menu including pizza as well as burgers, sandwiches, steak, pasta and seafood.

"All of our food is homemade," he said.

"It's a smaller location," McAuliffe said. "It's a lot like the location in Frankfort."

The Summit location opened Nov. 6 and was several weeks behind its original projected opening date.

The restaurant has a staff of a couple of dozen people. All Durbin's are owned and operated by family members.

"We've been doing this for 28 years," McAuliffe said, adding that he wasn't done opening new locations.

"We're also looking for a spot in Lyons and, if everything works out, we'll be opening at Toyota Park," he said.

Other Durbin locations are in Tinley Park, Plainfield, Evergreen Park, Palos Hills, Manteno and Midlothian.

For information, call 708-924-6000 or visit www.durbinspizza.com.

Taco and tequila bar opens in Frankfort

A new Mexican flavored restaurant opened recently in downtown Frankfort.

Fat Rosie's Taco and Tequila Bar opened Tuesday in the former Cottage Creations at 28 Kansas St., which just opened in a new location in downtown Frankfort.

Rosie's is owned by Scott Harris, who also owns Francesca Italian restaurants in Frankfort, Oak Lawn and Palos Park, Davanti Enoteca Italian restaurants and Glazed & Infused doughnut shops.

Fat Rosie’s  serves authentic Mexican street fare, including handmade margaritas, fresh sangrias and local craft beers. The bar features nearly 50 different types of tequilas and mezcals.

The restaurant specializes in small plates and shareable items including tacos, a variety of salsas, and regionally inspired braised meat and seafood entrees.

The restaurant seats 100 with patio seating for 80 more.

The restaurant is now open for dinner at 5 p.m. Lunch service will be offered beginning at 11 a.m. Carryout and catering is available.

For information, visit www.fatrosies.com or call 815-534-1640.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.com