Ala Carte Entertainment expands in the suburbs

An interview with Mark Hoffmann, owner Ala Carte Entertainment & Jeff Newing, entertainment and promotions director.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the Ala Carte Entertainment.

A: Ala Carte Entertainment (ACE) is an Illinois corporation that develops, owns and manages restaurants, banquet facilities, pubs, nightclubs and entertainment venues. Founded in 1970 by Fred Hoffmann, who serves as president, he was later joined by his son Mark Hoffmann who serves as vice president to watch ACE grow and serve local communities in the Chicagoland area.

Q: How many places are under the ACE "umbrella"?

A: Currently ACE operates 21 related businesses in the Chicagoland area, including Ala Carte Special Events in Schaumburg; Chandler's Chop House & Banquets in Schaumburg; Drink Nightclub in Schaumburg; Alumni Club in Schaumburg; Finn McCool's Irish Sports Pub in Schaumburg, Mt Prospect & Crystal Lake; The Snuggery in McHenry; Lucky Star Bar in Bartlett; Lion Head Pub & The Apartment Lounge in Lincoln Park/Chicago, Famous Freddie's Roadhouse in Fox Lake; RockinTheChain.com Chartered Party Boat Cruises on the Chain O' Lakes; Sweet Caroline's Bar 'N Que in Hoffman Estates; and 7 Moretti's Ristorante and Pizzerias, located in Chicago, Mt Prospect, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Bartlett, Lake In The Hills and Fox Lake. 3 additional Moretti's locations are currently under development in Barrington, Morton Grove and Rosemont.

Q: What is ACE of Places?

A: ACEPlaces was adopted as our main website, www.ACEPlaces.com, where you can quickly access information on all of Ala Carte Entertainments properties. Each location has it's own dedicated website as well. "The ACE Of Plates" moniker used in our bio simply describes our main focus and drive and to excel and achieve excellence in quality and service, within the food and beverage industry.

Q: Describe the atmosphere.

A: All ACE atmospheres are unique in nature, but warmth and comfort are the common denominators. Combinations of natural materials, stone, reclaimed wood and artistic colors, accented with nostalgic memorabilia and antique items give each location its own ageless look that withstands the test of trends and time.

Q: What are people in your industry talking about?

A: Crafts beers, craft cocktails, creative culinary depth and unique food expectations are the biggest topics of interest we see. Guests expect a higher quality in food and beverage, as well as in service. Our constant strive to set new standards forces us to reinvent our menus and drink lists frequently, keeping our guests interested and coming back.

Q: Two people we should follow on Twitter?

A: @bflay - Bobby Flay - Positive food empire input and @SeriousEats - Unique food, great ideas.