Hopes high for new Oak Brook restaurant

For Jim Chylewski, Oak Brook was the obvious choice for a new McCormick & Schmick's.

The popular seafood restaurant is set to open today at the Oak Brook Promenade along Butterfield Road.

Chylewski, the general manager, said his company was drawn to the village's vibrant business community.

"The opportunity in Oak Brook was unbelievable as far as the booming restaurants around here," he said.

McCormick & Schmick's already has two successful locations in Chicago and a restaurant in Schaumburg.

Tracy Mulqueen, president of the Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce, said local business leaders have high expectations for the newest restaurant in the chain.

Supporters include operators of competing restaurants at the nearby Oakbrook Center mall.

"They always welcome more restaurants and retail businesses to the area because it simply brings more business," Mulqueen said. "The more offerings there are, the better.

"Customers driving by to one place see the other (restaurants) as well, and they think 'I'll try that next time,'" she said.

To set themselves apart, staff at McCormick & Schmick's plan to wow diners with their hospitality.

"We look at this place as our house … and we treat people as if they are in our house," Chylewski said. "We are going to make mistakes. It's how we handle those mistakes that sets us apart."

If McCormick & Schmick's succeeds in becoming one of Oak Brook's top restaurants, officials say that could mean nearly $80,000 a year in additional sales tax revenue for the village.

However, Darrell Langlois, Oak Brook's finance director, said the village doesn't impose a food and beverage tax. It also offers lower tax rates than most west suburban municipalities.

To celebrate McCormick & Schmick's arrival at the Oak Brook Promenade, a grand opening event is planned for 5 p.m. Saturday. Village officials, business leaders and restaurant co-founder Doug Schmick are slated to attend.