Chick-fil-A opens in Countryside

Owner Nathan Hunters stands inside the Chick-fil-A in Countryside. (Photo by Connie Templin)

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A opened its newest Chicago-area restaurant last week in Countryside.

Fans of the chain's famed chicken sandwiches braved a cold snowy night to camp out in the parking at 6007 S. LaGrange Road to be among the first 100 customers when the restaurant opened Thursday morning.

Each of those in line received gift cards good for free food for a year.

Franchise owner Nathan Hunter said business has been brisk since opening.

"It was a great opening and has continued to be great this week," he said Monday.

Chick-fil-A fans brave cold and snow
 to be there for the opening. (Supplied photo)

Hunter was working for Chick-fil-A corporate in Atlanta when the opportunity presented itself to open a franchise in Countryside.

"This was just a fantastic business opportunity," he said. "I have been impressed with how friendly the people have been."

Hunter and his wife, Emily, moved to LaGrange in October in preparation for the restaurant opening.

"We're close to the restaurant," he said. "And we've enjoyed the mild winter."

The Countryside location is the chain's 23rd site in the Chicago area and one of six Chick-fil-A locations that will open this year in Illinois.

As part of the opening, Hunter collected children's books for a Book House at Ideal Elementary School in Countryside.

The new restaurant brought 85 new jobs to the area. The restaurant features the chain's newest interior design with tables made from reclaimed wood, subway tiles and a light fixture made from recycled Coke bottles.

The location has room for 150 in its dining room, a two-story interactive play area and free Wi-Fi. There are two drive-through lanes and a full service menu.

Hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sunday.

Ariel's closes to reopen as South Side American Tavern

Ariel's, an Irish pub that opened a couple of years ago at 18401 N. Creek Drive in Tinley Park, closed on Feb. 5 and began its transformation into an American watering hole under new ownership and management.

South Side American Tavern opened March 11 and is scheduled to hold its ribbon-cutting grand opening from 5-7 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day, March 17.

A voice mail message asking for more information was not returned.

For information, call 708-928-8080 or visit their Facebook page.

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