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New restaurant to open next month near Spring Hill Mall

Restaurant owner says he plans to hire 40-50 people in coming weeks

The building where T.G.I. Friday's used to be on Route 31 in front of Spring Hill Mall in Carpentersville has been empty for about three years but will soon be filled by a new restaurant: Joe's American Kitchen and Tavern.

Spiro Angelos is the owner of the business he said he'll call it Joe's because it's his brother's nickname. Angelos plans to open on Nov. 9, selling “all-American comfort food.

“You can eat that food every day, Angelos said.

Spring Hill Mall falls partly in West Dundee and partly in Carpentersville. Joe's will open in the Carpentersville side of the property where Village President Ed Ritter said several restaurants closed in rapid succession in the last four years. Ritter is happy to see Joe's take T.G.I. Friday's place and the building Angelos has spent part of the last year fixing up.

Angelos also owns five Jameson's Char House locations in the greater Chicago area, which Ritter referenced as having a good reputation.

“We're excited about that because it's a good local chain, Ritter said.

Joe's will join a number of businesses opening in Spring Hill Mall for the holiday season. Famous Footwear and Gotta Wings, in the food court, will also be new additions. Amy Prew, general manager for General Growth Properties, which runs Spring Hill Mall, said the building where Joe's is opening has been empty since just before the economy started to spiral.

“The economic conditions have certainly posed a challenge for leasing, Prew said. “But we are seeing renewed interest in Spring Hill.

To help run Joe's American Kitchen and Tavern, Angelos will hire between 40 and 50 people, starting in the coming weeks. He said he is encouraged that there are no other medium-priced steak houses in the area and has no concerns opening the restaurant at Spring Hill Mall.

Like Ritter, he pointed to the good location as a reason to come and to stay.