Imperial opens showroom
After operating in Algonquin for about 10 years, Rob Twardzik recently moved his showroom to Lake in the Hills.
The thrust of Imperial Improvements, at 1128 W. Algonquin Road, is renovating kitchens, basements and bathrooms. Twardzik's business handles other home-related projects and some commercial work as well. Everything from painting to woodwork and tile work is included.
Twardzik handles smaller-scale projects as well as the $150,000 basement remodel that would include a home theater.
The entrepreneur said he moved the showroom, which mainly displays kitchens and three primary cabinet lines, to the new location for better exposure.
Twardzik says what sets his business apart is that he employs his contractors. He believes that because he pays their salary, they have more pride in the finished product. "They have all been with me for many years," he said.
Twardzik's role in the business now is design work, managing the jobs and handling the showroom. About 25 percent of his business is commercial, as he specializes in assisted living companies.
He started the business as a way to make some extra money. Twardzik, who grew up in Mount Prospect, started his career as a sixth-grade teacher in Chicago. He spent 10 years in the classroom. His side business started taking over and he left his teaching job behind.
Twardzik and his wife, Karen, reside in Algonquin where they have two daughters, Jessica, 12, and Kaitlyn, 16. Karen works for a pharmaceutical company.
The showroom is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and by appointment.
For more information, call (847) 658-3844 or check out www.imperialimprovements.com.
Flame grilled chicken: El Pollo Loco opened Monday in Hanover Park at 7310 Barrington Road near Irving Park Road.
The eatery is the third of nearly 30 planned restaurants in the Chicago area.
The chain is well known on the West Coast and known for its signature citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken served with warm tortillas, assortment of fresh salsas and wide variety of fresh, contemporary Mexican-inspired entrees.
Following the brand's debut at the Taste of Chicago a couple years ago, the first El Pollo Loco opened in October 2005 in Logan Square. The second opened a year later in Melrose Park.
The Hanover Park location is about 2,500 square feet and offers seating for more than 90.
The company was founded in Guasave, Mexico, in 1975. The name, pronounced "L Po-yo Lo-co" is Spanish for The Crazy Chicken. The first U.S. restaurant opened in 1980. There are now 385 of the eateries.
Zylstra dealership honored: A St. Charles Harley-Davidson dealership has been awarded the manufacturer's 2007 Bronze Bar & Shield Circle of Achievement Award.
Zylstra Harley-Davidson/Buell, 131 S. Randall Road, received the award based on sales, customer service and satisfaction, facilities, staff and operations, according to the dealership, which opened in late 2006.