Wahlburgers is the latest celebrity-owned restaurant in the suburbs. Here's a look at others
Web headline: Wahlburgers is the latest celebrity-owned restaurant in the suburbs. Here's a look at others
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Food plus fame
Wahlburgers joins other celebrity-owned restaurants in the suburbs
Summary:
St. Charles got the star treatment this week when Donnie Wahlberg opened his latest Wahlburgers restaurant on Randall Road. Here's a look at the new spot and others in the suburbs and Chicago with famous names backing up the food.
By Scott C. Morgan
smorgan@dailyherald.com
St. Charles got the star treatment this week when singer/actor Donnie Wahlberg opened his latest restaurant on Randall Road.
Wahlberg, who lives in St. Charles with his wife Jenny McCarthy, owns the Boston-based Wahlburgers chain with his brothers -- film star Mark and chef Paul. But Wahlburgers is not the only suburban eatery with celebrity owners.
Here's a look at the new spot and others in the suburbs and Chicago with famous names backing up the food.
Wahlburgers
Celebrity connection: The chain is a family collaboration featuring the three Wahlberg brothers: New Kids on the Block singer and "Blue Bloods" star Donnie, film star Mark and reality TV star/executive chef Paul.
Locations at: 825 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (331) 235-5200; and at 2 E. Ontario St., Chicago, (312) 291-8997 (temporarily closed).
Website: wahlburgers.com
Specialties: The expanding burger chain shares its name with an A&E reality TV series about the restaurant. A Chicago location opened in 2019, though it has been temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant
Celebrity connection: Owned by actors (and Wilmette natives) Bill Murray, Joel Murray, Brian-Doyle Murray and other siblings.
At: Crown Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center, 9546 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont, (847) 443-3673
Website: mbcshack.com
Specialties: Bill Murray and his brothers returned to their suburban roots in 2018 when they opened this Rosemont branch of their Florida restaurant, inspired by the blockbuster 1980 film “Caddyshack.” The menu offers American fare with names inspired by the film and the Murray family. There's even a cocktail named for mom Lucille.
Michael Jordan's Restaurant
Celebrity connection: Michael Jordan, the basketball superstar who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships.
Restaurant location: 1225 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, (630) 828-2932
Steak House location: 505 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 321-8823 (temporarily closed)
Website: michaeljordansrestaurant.com
Specialties: The mini-series “The Last Dance” reminded the world why Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dominated basketball in the 1990s. Guests at Jordan's namesake restaurant in Oak Brook are invited to “Dine Like a Champ” either on its outdoor patio or the recently reopened indoor dining room.
Ditka's Restaurant
Celebrity connection: Mike Ditka, the coach of the 1985 Superbowl Champion Chicago Bears
Restaurant: 2 Mid America Plaza Suite 100, Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 572-2200
Grill 89: 800 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont, (630) 570-5889
Website: ditkarestaurants.com
Specialties: Chicago Bears memorabilia is incorporated into the décor of this upscale restaurant and bar that focuses on American fare. Steaks, chops and seafood are all on the bill.
Harry Caray's
Celebrity Connection: Harry Caray, the late baseball announcer and sportscaster
Italian Steakhouses: 33 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, (312) 828-0966; 10233 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont, (847) 699-1200; 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, (630) 953-3400
Holy Mackerel!: 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard, (630) 953-3444
Navy Pier Tavern: 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 527-9700
7th Inning Stretch, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 202-0500
Midway Airport Shortstop, Terminal A, Chicago, (773) 598-6717
Website: harrycarays.com
Specialties: The late Hall of Fame broadcaster lent his name to what has become a local restaurant empire. Each location is filled with sports memorabilia and celebrity snapshots, while the restaurants alternately specialize in steaks, burgers and seafood.
RPM Restaurants
Celebrity connections: Bill Rancic, a past winner of “The Apprentice,” and Giuliana Rancic, a former reporter for E! News.
RPM Italian: 52 W. Illinois St., Chicago, (312) 222-1888
RPM Steak: 66 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, (312) 284-4990
RPM Seafood: 317 N. Clark St., Chicago, (312) 900-9035
Website: rpmrestaurants.com
Specialties: The Rancics teamed up with Lettuce Entertain You for three upscale Windy City restaurants, each focused on either Italian cuisine, steaks or seafood. RPM Seafood has a prime multi-level location overlooking the Chicago River.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
Celebrity connection: Singer-songwriter and lifestyle mogul Jimmy Buffett
Location: 700 E. Grand Ave. #118, Chicago, (312) 496-3840
Website: margaritavillechicago.com
Specialties: Margaritas, of course, and the copyrighted “Cheeseburger in Paradise” lead the menu of this Chicago outpost of Jimmy Buffett's restaurant empire. Lake Michigan isn't quite the tropical beach, but the Navy Pier location certainly attracts plenty of vacationing tourists ready to chow down on comfort food.