New plans emerge for former Elgin eatery

A seasoned entrepreneur is poised to breathe new life into downtown Elgin's shuttered Prairie Rock Brewing Co., which closed in February.

Ed Mascari, a Crystal Lake man who has 38 years of entertainment and restaurant experience, plans to open a restaurant and bar called "The RoadHouse" and a special events area called Main Event Elgin in the 30,000-square-foot building at 200 Prairie St. by Dec. 11.

Mascari is leasing the site from Mike Origer, owner of the now defunct Prairie Rock, which spent 14 years in downtown.

Mascari, who owns two International House of Pancake locations, said he's had the concept of a family restaurant that blends Memphis and Kansas City-style barbecue planned for about seven years.

"The project remained near and dear to my heart. When I saw this building, I thought it was an absolute perfect fit," he said Monday. "I think people are going to be surprised when they come here and drive through and say, 'This isn't the Elgin of old. Look what they've done to the place.'"

Mascari said a grand opening is planned for February and hopefully he can land a national act to play in the Main Event Elgin area. He wants to host kickboxing matches, comedy acts and a variety of music in the venue, which will hold at least 1,500 general admission, not including VIP suites.

This area is being created out of the large dining hall that the Prairie Rock management tried to utilize but without success.

Mascari said crews have removed the large fireplace and micro-brewing area and have added another kitchen, another bar, and plan to install a second level for the outdoor dining area in the spring. He also said he is excited for customers to use a new tunnel that connects directly to the restaurant from the second floor of a nearby parking deck.

Mascari said he hopes the Roadhouse and Main Event Elgin will be an entertainment destination, even in the sour economy.

"If people can't take a vacation they're going to take a vacation in their head, and we're going to provide the venue for that," he said. "There's really nothing of our size and capacity out here."

Mayor Ed Schock said the city council likely will consider some type of incentive package paid for out of a fund set up to spur downtown redevelopment. He said the RoadHouse will add sales taxes to city coffers and the Main Event Elgin area will draw people who will visit other downtown locations.

"I'm excited about it. It's a vote of confidence in the downtown," he said. "It's going to be a big place."

Mascari said the restaurant will employ about 100 people and be open from 11 a.m. to 3:15 a.m. all week.

For details, call (847) 695-4454 or visit roadhouseelgin.com.