Huntley seeing growth in new restaurants
A new Italian bistro is coming to Huntley — the latest in a line of restaurants and businesses opening in that town.
Work already has begun to remodel the former Niko's Grill & Pub at 11900 Freeman Road to make way for Marsala's Italian Kitchen.
“We're targeting a mid-November opening date,” owner Frank Bolos said. “We're going to be moderately priced, very approachable, family-friendly, casual Italian restaurant.”
The property, east of Route 47 just north of the Huntley Outlet Center, was purchased by Jameson restaurant group, which operates Jameson Charhouse at Sun City senior living community in Huntley, and six other restaurants throughout the suburbs, including Crystal Lake and Mount Prospect.
“While we've been considered an Italian-themed restaurant for some time, it was only with the opportunity to purchase the Freeman Road restaurant building combined with our success in Huntley that we found a home for Marsala's here,” Elissa Doland of the Jameson group said in a news release.
Huntley has had several new restaurants open within the last year, including Rookies Sports Bar & Grill at 12220 Princeton Drive, and Starbucks, Jimmy John's and Little Caesars in nearby shopping centers, said Margo Griffin, village business development coordinator.
McDonald's opened its second location at 12242 Route 47 near Wal-Mart at the end of June, and Wicho's Tacos is under construction at 10749 Dundee Road near the Wing Pointe subdivision.
Officials said Marsala's will be a good addition to the town's culinary offerings.
“We believe that the community will respond very favorably to the new exterior appearance and indoor décor, as well as its Italian cuisine,” Village President Charles Sass said in a news release.
Brunch Cafe is slated to open soon at 12270 Princeton Drive, the frontage road running along the west side of Route 47. Aldi grocery store is targeting a mid-October opening at 12300 Princeton Drive.
“We are really excited about Huntley and the growth that the area is seeing,” said Bolos, alluding to Centegra's new hospital under construction and the manufacturer of Weber grills building a global distribution center there. “There's development going on all over in that area. All those things give us reason to be excited enough and optimistic about the opening and the future in Huntley.”