Dual openings have restaurants owners hopping
Two new restaurants are opening just weeks apart along Randall Road in Algonquin.
Several of the same owners are involved with opening both establishments. Diced, a salad and soup shop, opened about two weeks ago at 132 S. Randall Road while Double Jacks Sports Burger Bar is set to open Thursday at 2380 Esplanade Drive, facing Randall Road.
Diced is a quick, casual soup and salad shop that allows customers to create their own salad from 91 different toppings and dressings, said co-owner Terry Ramsett. The ingredients, starting with four different lettuces, are behind glass. The customer chooses what they want while restaurant staff creates the salad. "It's not a salad bar," said Ramsett, who owns the business with his wife, Rachel, and Nick and Elena Merchef of Hoffman Estates.
Chili, soups, wraps and signature salads are also featured at the eatery that seats 25 people.
Terry, a resident of Algonquin, explained that he came up with the concept for the business when he saw how fast food establishments continued to add popular salads to their menus.
"We want to give people a choice," Terry said. Meal-sized salads range in price from $5.99 to $7.99, he said.
Before launching the business, Terry co-owned Deli Time, a Schaumburg catering business focusing mainly on larger commercial companies. He sold his portion of the business last year.
The new business is off to a quick start.
"We're packed at lunch and steady for dinner," said Terry, who is looking to franchise the concept in the near future and already looking for a second location.
Gourmet burgers
The other restaurant has a much different focus. Double Jacks Sports Burger Bar, named after Terry's son Jack and stepson Jackson, is a high-end sports bar with gourmet burgers.
The establishment, in the Esplanade development, features 32 flat screen TVs and a 120-inch projection TV as well as a small arcade for kids. There is seating for 50 outside and 150 inside.
Patrons can choose from an array of burgers including Black Angus, Kobe, chicken, lamb and sloppy joes. They range in price from $8.99 to $14.99. "We take an ordinary burger and turn it into an extraordinary burger experience," said Terry, 47. Chef Aaron Valdez, a French-trianed culinary chef, plays a vital role in the operation.
Terry, born in Green Bay, Wisc., said everything they serve is made from scratch, including the signature sauces that top the burgers. The french fries are a highlight as they are hand cut then soaked in water for 24 hours before they're double fried.
The establishment features rooms that cater to families as well as local sports teams wanting a place to stop after a game.
While opening two restaurants back to back has been busy, Terry said a group of dedicated owners have made it possible. Joe Condo, Nick Merchef and Terry serve as the managing partners at Double Jacks, backed by a group of investors.
"We take our burgers as seriously as we take our sports," said Terry, who often sports a Chicago Bears hat and a Packers shirt during football season.
For more information about Diced, call (847) 458-7687 and Double Jacks at (847) 458-8878.
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