A getaway close to home
You may think you're still away on spring break when visiting Flip Flops Tiki Bar & Grill in Carol Stream.
The family-operated establishment at 1022 Fountain View Drive attempts to provide a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life, according to co-owners Jim and Bob Sabalaskey, brothers who own the business with their wives, Amy and Chris.
"It's a Caribbean-themed place. We're trying to bring the feeling of a resort," Bob said.
The establishment serves an array of American cuisine. One of the mot popular picks is the Baja burger, a 10-ounce Angus beef charbroiled burger. It goes for $6.99.
The eatery specializes in a wide array of appetizers as well. Chicken wings, nachos and the warm pretzel bread with beer cheese dip are popular picks. A fun children's menu is also available.
Another specialty is sand dollars, which can be served in the place of fries. The potato slices are rolled in corn meal and garlic seasoning and then deep-fried.
"We offer a good meal at a good price," Jim said.
An array of fun frozen alcoholic drinks are also served. The margarita is the top pick with a new rum runner hitting the menu for summer.
The owners, raising families in Carol Stream, started planning the business about four years ago. They searched for the perfect location.
"It was worth the wait," Jim said. They're near a park and soccer fields with bike and walking paths near the border of the property.
The outdoor seating area with room for about 45 people is expected to open as the weather turns nicer. The restaurants seats about 100 people with room for about 30 around the bar, "a full-blown tiki hut."
Live entertainment is available on the weekends while every other Wednesday is devoted to karaoke. There is no cover charge for entertainment.
The brothers, who are two of six siblings, grew up in Westville, near central Illinois.
Jim, 43, and Amy have two sons, Austin, 4, and Wyatt, 2. Jim continues to work as a business systems analyst for a New York-based investment firm with offices in Oakbrook Terrace. Bob, 45, is a vice president of manufacturing for a consulting firm in St. Charles. He and wife Chris have four children: Syndie and Tracy, who are grown; Ryan, 16; and Jessica, 13.
The entrepreneurs say response to the establishment since its opening in November has been great so far, adding that listening to customers' feedback is important.
"We just want to provide a fun, relaxed atmosphere," Jim said.
The business is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.
For more information, check out www.flipflopstikibar.com.