Gifford's Kitchen and Social now open in Elgin

A new restaurant now is open in the former Tilted Kilt location along the Randall Road corridor in Elgin.

This month, Gifford's Kitchen and Social opened at 2300 Bushwood Drive, on the west side of Randall just north of the tollway.

Jeff Murray, operating partner, described the new business as a gastropub serving American classics, including "gourmet burgers, artisan pizzas, fun, shareable appetizers such as a savory monkey bread made with chicken Alfredo and mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, honey mustard wings or a melt-in-your-mouth poutine with pot roast, cheddar cheese curds and french fries."

He said the restaurant, which is owned by Melissa and Rich Turasky, also serves local craft beers and other drinks.

While it quietly opened its doors on May 15, there will be an official grand opening on June 1, along with a kickoff opening for the restaurant's outdoor patio for the summer season.

Murray said the food and atmosphere at Gifford's Kitchen and Social should be a great fit for the area.

"We liked this location specifically because we felt the area is underserved in craft beer, fresh fruit cocktails and from-scratch American cuisine," Murray said.

"Our location is desirable for guests to gather on our patio overlooking the pond, private dining for a wedding or corporate function on the second floor," he said. "Our large bar is great for guests who want to join us after work or on the weekends to catch the big game on any one of our televisions. We will also have gaming in mid-June or July."

The name itself comes from Elgin's founding father, James T. Gifford.

"Our restaurant is adorned with reclaimed wood from a barn that was over 200 years old," Murray said. " We wanted to choose a name that added to the elements of the décor, but also one that had an underlying theme - we are here to stay. Gifford is a name synonymous with Elgin. We wanted to nod to the community we are proud to call home."

Various business ventures have been trying to make the building that houses the new Gifford's home for the past several years since the Tilted Kilt closed. Along the way, there have been many snags, and the building has been sitting vacant.

The businesses to occupy the building opened in 2007, with Hennessy's Steak and Seafood downstairs and the upscale pool hall OnQClub on the second floor of the building.

Tilted Kilt opened in 2010, and closed about three years later in June of 2013.

For information on Gifford's Kitchen and Social call (847) 649-3900.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.