Diana’s Kitchen opens in Tinley Park

Diana Petrauskis stands in her new restaurant Diana's Kitchen in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Diana Petrauskis knows the history of restaurants at 16707 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. A long line of them have tried and failed to make it since popular hot dog stand Just Joe’s was forced out after the site was torn down and rebuilt more than a decade ago.

“I’m not going to let the past disturb me,” the Tinley Park resident said last week. “I think if you have a good product people will come back. This is a great location. I don’t know what happened to those other restaurants.

“We’ve been open only since (Jan. 10) and already we have repeat customers,” she said pointing out two customers who were already so familiar she was calling them by name.

Petrauskis said last week was a soft opening to work out the kinks, which included the untimely need to replace her cook only four days into being open.

“Thank God it happened now and not after we had been open for a while and I really needed him,” she said.
Diana’s Kitchen is her first business venture but she’s no stranger to cooking.

“I’m used to cooking for large crowds,” she said while whizzing around the kitchen knocking out orders for hot dogs, Italian sausage and meatball combos. “Of course, my husband won’t be getting a home-cooked meal anytime soon.”

As for her menu, it’s basic fare including burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, soups, chili and appetizers.
“My chili and marinara sauce are homemade,” she said. “And my soups are made from scratch. I might add some items as we go along. I’m willing to try anything.”

Starting a business is hard work and she’s ready.

“I’m full time invested in this,” she said adding family members will play a pivotal role in the business. One she is counting on is her mother.

“Thank God for ma,” she said indicating her mom, who was taking orders and restocking napkins in the small dining room with seating for about 20.

“Response has been good,” she said. “We’re averaging 40-50 people a day and we haven’t even advertised that we’re open yet.

“The people of Tinley Park have been great. I’m almost shocked customers have been so nice. I hope they come back. I’m trying to make this a place where people can come, chitchat and enjoy good food.”

Diana’s Kitchen winter hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number is 708-532-9034.

Nielsen's Bakery closes in Homewood



Photo courtesy of Homewood-Flossmoor Patch



By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Nielsen’s Bakery closed last week at 2053 Ridge Road in Homewood, a victim of the economy and a broken oven. A sign on the door says the Ehlebracht family, who have owned and operated the bakery for the past 21 years, will try to find new owners that may reopen the bakery.

Palos Liquors now open
Palos Liquors opened recently at 12902 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park in the former Urbas European Bakery and Deli. Ashok Patel is the owner. The store is open from 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The phone number is 708-671-1736.

Mexican drive-through opens
Taqueria El Ranchito Express opened recently at 10348 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Hills as a drive-through only restaurant. The restaurant is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The phone number is 708-599-0400.

5 Guys opens in Chicago Ridge

The 5 Guys Burgers and Fries gourmet hamburger joint opened last month at 9620 S. Ridgeland Ave. inside the Chicago Ridge Mall. Its phone number is 708-346-0380. Check out their menu at http://www.fiveguys.com/.

Firestone grand opening in Homer Glen

The Firestone Complete Auto Care center at 14018 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Friday. There will be giveaways for adults and entertainment for children all day Friday and Saturday.

Ditka to appear at Charley Horse

Former Bears head coach Mike Ditka will be signing bottles of his signature wine Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the New Lenox Charley Horse restaurant at 901 Lincoln Highway to benefit the Lincoln-Way Foundation. Bottles will be sold for a $30 or $50 donation. Anyone who makes a donation will get a $10 gift certificate good at any of the Charley Horse locations or 94West.

Durbin’s opens in Frankfort

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Durbin’s, a popular Southland restaurant chain, opened its newest location earlier this month at 14 Elwood St. in downtown Frankfort in the former Miritello’s Pizza.

The newest Durbin’s is trying something different, said manager Randy Averilla.

“We’re dine-in, carryout and delivery only without any of the bar scene the other Durbin’s have,” he said. “We’re also trying to be strictly counter service without any wait staff.”

Averilla said the restaurant has seating for about 50 people.

Otherwise, the menu is the same as at other Durbin’s with Branding Iron ribs, pasta dinners, sandwiches and pizza.

The Frankfort location is open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3 p.m. to midnight on Friday.

This weekend, the restaurant will start opening at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call the restaurant at 815-464-1007 or visit their Web site at http://www.durbinspub.com/.

Quick exit for South Holland Bakery

South Holland Bakery and Coffee Shop, which opened Oct. 11 at 629 E. 162nd St. in South Holland, has closed less than three months after opening. The phone number is disconnected and there’s a “for lease” sign in the window. That may be the shortest record for a business I’ve come across.

Diana’s Kitchen

A sign in the window at 16707 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park says Diana’s Kitchen is coming soon. Good luck, the place hasn’t been very good for business since Just Joe’s was forced out of that spot more than a decade ago. Since then, it has been home to Toothpicks, Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon, Gold Coast Dogs and Lazy Dogz Burgers (I don’t think I missed any).

Bears deal of the weekend

Jordan’s Pub, 13500 S. Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, has a free halftime buffet during Bears games. The phone number is 708-460-8330. Its Website is http://www.jordanspub.com/.