Brunch Cafe offers twist to traditional breakfasts, lunches

The owners of an established Cary restaurant recently expanded to open a breakfast and lunch eatery in Fox River Grove.

Brothers Andy and Ted Vatos have owned Kojaks in Cary for the past 11 years. Their new establishment, Brunch Cafe, takes a different approach.

"We offer a trendier and fresh twist to breakfast and lunch," said Andy, a 36-year-old Addison resident. Andy's brother-in-law Peter Revel of Des Plaines co-owns the new cafe, which opened Wednesday.

Customers will enjoy a large menu featuring everything from gourmet sandwiches and burgers to French toast, pancakes, crepes, omelets, eggs Benedict and skillets.

Biscuits and gravy, Belgium waffles and breakfast sandwiches are popular on the breakfast side, while wraps and paninis are hot at lunch.

Most items on the menu range in price from $5 to $8.

Andy said everything is made fresh, from the pancakes to the sauces. The fresh fruit has also been going over well. Catering is available.

"We're family oriented and we serve good coffee," Andy said. He added that the new establishment fills a need in the area.

The eatery, with its greens and burgundy decor, is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. When the restaurant closes to the public, it's available for private parties, showers or business meetings, Andy said.

For more information, call (847) 516-0409.

Tax relief: Liberty Tax Service in Elgin is offering a break to teachers, school employees and hospital employees this tax season.

Teachers can leave their lesson plans behind and bring in their tax receipts to the tax office at 224 S. Randall Road in the Hobby Lobby shopping plaza.

The company is offering school employees, bus drivers and teachers free tax preparation if they are new customers. The offer runs through Sunday.

And during the week of March 10 through March 16, the same service is being offered to emergency medical technicians and hospital employees.

Tamika Morales owns the local tax business.

She suggests calling (847) 289-9100 for an appointment.

Network deal: David Nissen, managing partner of Mueller & Co., announced that Shu Lun Pan CPA Co., the fifth largest CPA firm in China, has renewed its membership with the firm's worldwide network.

The network provides practice management support, continuing education, marketing, online services and other programs for the betterment of its member firms.

Mueller & Co. has offices in Elgin, St. Charles and Oakbrook Terrace.