Thirsty Pig BBQ replaces Grand Dukes in Summit
The old country feeling at Grand Dukes restaurant in Summit has been replaced with the atmosphere of a Texas barbecue.
Thirsty Pig BBQ opened in early November in the former Grand Dukes at 6312 S. Harlem Ave. Gone are the Eastern European specialties. Taking their place on the menu are items including brisket, pulled pork, ribs and rib tips and barbecue chicken.
New sides include fried pickles, poutine — fries covered in cheese curds and smothered in gravy, and corn bread with actual creamed corn inside the bread.
The new theme is apparent as soon as you walk in the front door. Besides the smoky, barbecue smell and swinging saloon doors there are the cowboy hats and horseshoes hanging on the walls.
Owner Andrew Bucas said he spent two years touring the Southwest United States researching barbecue before deciding to make the change.
“Our pitmaster, Dusty, comes from Kansas City,” Bucas said. “He has lots of experience. He did 25 years of barbecue competitions. He knows how to smoke the meats right.”
As for the new look, “we spent three months converting the building to a Texas-barn look,” he said.
“We are trying to be a neighborhood bar that also has barbecue, sports and country.”
The Thirsty Pig has seating for about 120-140 people, lots of televisions for sports fans and a video café area with five video poker machines. Live music is offered on weekends.
Fans of Grand Dukes can still get their fill, they will just have to visit its new location in Downers Grove when it opens.
The new Grand Dukes is being remodeled at 980 W. 75th St. It will open later this year.
‘Next generation’ doughnuts in Evergreen Park
Dunkin’ Donuts has opened its first south suburban “next generation” location at 9601 S. Pulaski Road in Evergreen Park in the 96 Point Crossings plaza.
The national retailer announced last year that it would roll out about 50 of what it termed “next generation” stores. The first one in the Chicago area opened late last year in Rolling Meadows.
The next generation Dunkin’ format was announced at the same time the chain said it would reduce its food menu by about 10 percent but begin to expand its espresso-based drinks.
The new-look Dunkin’ has put its signature doughnuts in display cases in front of the counter rather than on shelves behind the counter.
The locations feature cold-brew and nitrogen-infused coffee on tap. Other changes include conference rooms for up to 10 people and a mobile pickup area.
Lou Malnati’s expands Tinley location
Lou Malnati’s recently opened its newly expanded Tinley Park location at the Park Hills shopping center at 9501 W. 171st St.
The location tripled in size from 2,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet by adding a dining room, a bar and a private event room to a vacant storefront next door. An outdoor patio will be available weather permitting.
The pizzeria opened in 2009 and had been offering carry-out, catering and delivery only.
It is the first Lou Malnati’s in the south suburbs to offer dine-in service.
The company also operates carryout service at south suburban locations in Flossmoor, Homer Glen, New Lenox, Oak Lawn and Palos Heights.
Dental offices merge in Garfield Ridge
Dr. Walter Dudek announced last week that he was merging his longtime dental practice on Chicago’s Southwest Side with that of Dr. Anna Przyszlak at City Dental.
Dudek said as of Jan. 5 he would be working three and half days a week at City Dental, 6737 W. Archer Ave.
He opened his former office at 6521 W. Archer Ave. in 1978.
“After 40 years, I decided to cut back my hours,” he said. “I want to spend more time with my family and unfortunately none of them are in Chicago.”