New cafe to open in West Dundee, Bootleggers relocating
George Arsoniadis' vision for his new West Dundee cafe contrasts the Prohibition-themed Bootleggers Kitchen and Pub that occupied the building at 629 S. Eighth St. the past year.
Decorated in dark colors to mimic a 1920s vibe, the building will be transformed into a modern cafe with bright colors and earthy tones, he said. The liquor bar will become a coffee bar, and the restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch, as opposed to Bootleggers' lunch and dinner menu.
Within the next year, Arsoniadis said, Bootleggers will likely relocate along Randall Road, a high-traffic area that may draw more customers to a pub-style restaurant.
The establishment along Route 31 is expected to reopen in March under a new name and an entirely new concept.
"We wanted to reconfigure the restaurant here," Arsoniadis said, noting the village's limited breakfast options.
The cafe will be open 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily with one menu that includes both breakfast and lunch options. This will especially appeal to families and churchgoers in the area, he said.
"East and West Dundee are blessed with a lot of churches," Arsoniadis said. "When you get out of church, especially on Sunday, you want to go out for breakfast. And if someone in your group didn't want breakfast food - if they wanted a burger, a sandwich, an old-fashioned special - the customers can have both.
"We're looking to cater to the entire gamut."
Perhaps one of the unique aspects of the cafe will be the coffee bar, Arsoniadis said, which will offer specialty coffees, beverages, smoothies and teas, all of which can be ordered to go.
Arsoniadis said he hopes to also serve alcoholic brunch-style beverages, such as mimosas and Bloody Mary cocktails.
Owners and staff are working with chefs to sample entrees and develop the menu, he said. In addition to breakfast and lunch options - omelettes, pancakes, burgers, wraps - they hope to include unique items, he said. A "banana split waffle," for example, will have ice cream, fresh fruit, hot caramel, chocolate and whipped cream.
"These are the things we're trying to create," Arsoniadis said. "We're trying to take old favorites, still with the flavor and taste that is second to none, and make it exciting."
Customers can dine in or pick up food to go, he added. Pastries and bakery items will also be available.
While transforming the restaurant, Arsoniadis and other investors are considering where to reopen Bootleggers. Properties in Elgin, Algonquin and Carpentersville, all along Randall Road, are in the running, he said.
"The intent is to relocate it and get it started again," Arsoniadis said. "We need to make a decision as to what (location) would fit the concept of Bootleggers the best."