New casual dining spot rolls out rail theme
The owners of a new Mundelein restaurant became friends at the age of 8 while playing baseball and soccer in Deerfield.
Brain Carman and Ted Banick now own and operate The Caboose at 320 E. Hawley St. The business partners have also owned Teddy O'Brians bar in Highwood for the past nine years.
The men, both 37 years old, say the new eatery offers a casual dining experience. Breakfast and lunch are served daily while dinner is offered Tuesday through Friday.
"Every thing is made to order," said Carman, a Mundelein resident. Customers order at the counter and food is run out to the tables, he said.
"It's a very relaxed atmosphere," he added.
The theme of the eatery comes from the proximity of the business to the railroad tracks.
The restaurant owners say they're still in the process of decorating the establishment with a railroad theme. The eatery seats 47 people. There are plans for an outdoor seating area next summer.
The shop also serves specialty coffee drinks to go.
In addition to traditional breakfast foods, the restaurant is becoming popular for lunch. The Philly cheesesteak sandwich, selling for $6, is a popular pick as well as the chicken, bacon, avocado wrap that goes for $6.50. The grilled vegetable and feta wrap is another popular pick selling for $6.
"Our food is speaking for itself," Carman said. "We have a lot of repeat business, which is very rewarding," he added. Carman and his wife, Robin, are raising two boys. Banick resides in Third Lake.
"We felt there was a need for this type of place in Mundelein," Carman said.
The men, who were in the hospitality industry before opening the Highwood tavern, say they are hoping to do more catering from the new Mundelein location.
The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (847) 388-3530.
TV tips: A free seminar set for Thursday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. will explain what the digital television transition means and what to look for if you purchase a new digital television. Rob Schultz, president of Inspired Electronics, in partnership with Palatine Public Library is presenting "High-tech TVs: What You Need to Know," at the Palatine Public Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine. To register, call (847) 358-5881, ext. 167. Schultz is one of 4,000 professionals nationwide who have been certified by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association.
Fall fun: Real Deals Home Decor, 575 S. Arthur Ave., is hosting a fall open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27.
The Arlington Heights shop at 575 S. Arthur Ave. will offer a free gift with a purchase of $40 or more. Shoppers who bring in a friend to the store will receive a $5 store credit. There is a great deal of fall and Halloween decor.
• Kim Mikus' columns appear Tuesday through Friday. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com.