Barrington Hills resident opening restaurant, upscale lounge in West Dundee
Diana Jacobs believes timing is everything when it comes to fulfilling her dream of opening her own restaurant.
It's a goal she has been working toward since junior high school, when she started studying the food industry in classes. Always passionate about foods, she worked in coffee houses and bakeries, as well as McDonald's, where she was a manager for six years starting at age 18.
Jacobs' career in the food industry was put on hold when she married her husband, Mark, and became a stay-at-home mom. They planned to travel the world as a family, Jacobs said, but when a relative's illness caused them to stay put, she instead explored the idea of owning her own establishment close to home.
Now, the Barrington Hills resident plans to own and operate Bamboozels, a family-friendly restaurant and upscale lounge that will replace the recently closed Dylan's Pub at 101 W. Main St., West Dundee.
"This has always been a dream of mine," Jacobs said. "And now is the time to pursue that dream."
The establishment, which was granted a liquor license from the village this week, is expected to open in August after undergoing a major facelift. Property owner Tom Roeser, president of Otto Engineering, said he plans to renovate the exterior, while Jacobs will focus on changing the interior bar atmosphere into a family environment.
Jacobs eventually intends to purchase the building from Roeser, she added.
On the first floor of Bamboozels, booths and low tables will take up one side of the restaurant, with a bar and high-top tables on the other side. Though a theme has yet to be decided, Jacobs said, she anticipates putting up big-screen televisions and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Bamboozels will serve traditional American food with a focus on fresh products, Jacobs said. She also hopes to add outdoor dining area along First Street, as well as a walk-up window to cater to the downtown foot traffic.
The second floor of Bamboozels will transform into a fusion lounge, which may open a month or two after the restaurant, she said. With intimate couch seating and coffee tables, the lounge will serve hand-shaken cocktails, specialty drinks and shareable plates.
Though open to the public, the room will also available for private events, Jacobs said, noting she also hopes to add a New Orleans-style balcony.
With the ongoing redevelopment project at the southeast corner of First and Main streets, as well as the refurbishment of the RocHaus live music venue across the street, Jacobs said she believes Bamboozels will complement the downtown development.
"It's the perfect (place) in the neighborhood for families to come together and have fun, and I think it'll also be a great date night location," she said. "It's perfect timing."