Rock N Grill opens in Lake in the Hills
It's a step back in time at the new Rock N Grill restaurant along the Randall Road corridor in Lake in the Hills.
You start to recall one of the best decades ever with the big Aqua Net hair, the Buggles on MTV and some of the most long-lasting, fun and catchy music ever.
Owner Chad Hufford has given the new hot dog and burger joint at 335 N. Randall Road an '80s theme, hoping to tie together great food with even better nostalgia.
It's a fun trip down memory lane for many, and an immersion into a decade they've only heard about for others.
"That time from 1980 to 1989 or 1990 changed everything. MTV came out and the look of a person was important, and the crazier people acted, the more popularity they got. All of today's artists were based on that," Hufford said. "I figured, 'what a cool way to do my restaurant.'
"I always wanted to open up a great burger place in a nice environment, and I wanted to give a different spin on it. I feel the '80s are really coming back, and I figured what a cool way to do that," he said.
"So far, we're getting a lot of positive response and chatter on social media about what we've done here."
This is the first restaurant for Hufford, who's been in the food service industry for years.
He worked in restaurants for years. He then went into developing software and worked as the vice president of operations for a company that did training on restaurant equipment.
"So I've always known the inside and out of a restaurant," he said.
When the spot on Randall Road, which formerly was home to Chicago Grill, opened up, he jumped at the chance to make his dream of owning his own restaurant come true. It is only two minutes from his home in Crystal Lake, and he thought it was a great place to get started.
Rock N Grill boasts quality Angus hamburgers, fresh-cut fries and Angus hot dogs at reasonable prices, according to Hufford. He also offers other favorites, including homemade macaroni and cheese, homemade chili and fresh, made-to-order salads. You can carry out your order or eat inside the restaurant, which is lined with framed Hit Parade magazines and album covers, drums hanging from the ceiling and 1980s music playing throughout.
He also has the license to play the videos of the 1980s music, so you can relive your childhood over your lunch hour.
The restaurant is in a soft opening right now, but as soon as Hufford gets its outside sign, which also has an '80s theme, Rock N Grill will hold a grand opening. He said he expects that to take place next week.
"This is my first restaurant and I just want it to be a success, and I hope to open more in the future," Hufford said.
For information, call Rock N Grill at (224) 333-0001.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.