Couple breathes new life into Algonquin eatery

Martini's on Main in downtown Algonquin has new ownership and a new attitude.

Greg Geigel and his girlfriend Klara Cukova, who ran her family's restaurants in the Czech Republic, have added new items to the menu, including hummus, artichoke cheese fondue, and caprese with tomatoes with mozzarella cheese, basil and vinaigrette.

The Island Lake-area couple also have stripped away the eatery's Italian-themed wall designs, opting instead for a more streamlined look.

They dined at the restaurant under its previous ownership and fell in love with the stately 118-year-old building that it occupies.

The eatery, at 8 S. Main St., had been closed since January after a judge evicted the previous owner and ordered him to pay $32,000 in back rent.

Once the business became available, the couple, who are in contract to buy the building, snapped into action.

"It's a gorgeous building and it's a beautiful area," said Cukova, the restaurant's manager. "I like places where you can tell they have personality."

The couple remain committed to providing a niche in Algonquin; one that offers fine dining at reasonable prices.

"What we're looking for is ... couples, a husband or wife, a date or a couple of guys going out for a drink after work," Geigel said. "There aren't that many places that a couple can go to in the area."

The restaurant has been operating for three weeks and the owners will hold a grand opening sometime after Founders' Days.

The eatery - originally opened in 2001 as Bellino's Steak and Martini Bar - became a key component to downtown Algonquin's revitalization and helped draw other businesses into town.

"We've spent a lot of time making our downtown prosperous," Village President John Schmitt said. "I'm very pleased that it's open again and hopefully, that business will thrive."