Nic's Organic Fast Food opens in Rolling Meadows
Rolling Meadows scored a first Thursday when the nation's first Quality Assurance International-certified organic drive-through restaurant opened in a building that formerly was a Pizza Hut.
Nic's Organic Fast Food at 2102 Plum Grove Road drew a steady lunchtime crowd of people who wanted to try a new place and/or liked the idea of eating organic products.
“The fries are good,” said Fremd High School student Kaleb Scharman, 18, of Rolling Meadows. “It's a good change of pace from regular fast food. I like it.”
The restaurant, festooned with green and white balloons that matched its color scheme, was founded by Glenview residents Nicolette and Benjamin Brittsan, who want to deliver a classic fast-food experience, offering the convenience and value of the traditional chains but with products that are produced without use of hormones, antibiotics, GMO's, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.
While the prices are a bit higher than the traditional fast-food restaurant, the value meal offers an organic sandwich, fries and drink for less than $9. Meats are humanely raised and sustainably sourced, the owners say.
The owners are negotiating for additional locations in the Chicago area and hope to expand nationally in the next five years.
“It's a very simple, straightforward menu. We're not trying to be pretentious, just organic,” Benjamin Brittsan said a year ago when the couple were getting approval for the plan from city officials.
Nicolette and Benjamin, who have two young children, grew up on the North Shore and met as students at the Cooking Hospitality Institute in Chicago. Both have been in the food industry for years and previously owned Benjamin Restaurant and Benjamin Tapas in Highland Park.
“Organic is a lifestyle for us,” Benjamin Brittsan said a year ago. “When it comes to eating organic food, you just feel better.”
Menu highlights include the Organic NicSausage, Organic BigNic Bacon Burger, Organic Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Organic Nic Jr. Meal.
The restaurant gets its soda from Idaho-based Tractor Sodas, an all-natural soda company and also offers organic iced tea and juices, and Allegro Coffee.
The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. until late evening. More information is at www.nicsorganicfastfood.com or (847) 907-4477.