Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark and Ellie Freedman.
Mark and Ellie, please share your story with us.
We were the original family of Myron and Phil’s Restaurant in Lincolnwood that was in business for 42 years. We had a fire 5 years ago and decided to change locations and restaurant type. It is our pleasure to serve up the Wildwood Tavern interpretation of quality food that feeds the soul and brings friends and community together. We welcome you to be a part of it!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
After the fire, dealing with the insurance company and the landlord it was a difficult decision to decide if we still wanted to be in the restaurant business. It is in Mark’s bloodline and we decided to open the Wildwood Tavern which was vacant at the same time that we were looking for a location. Obtaining finances, working with the contractors and getting the restaurant open was very stressful. Delays in construction and permits and final approvals from the village proved to be a large obstacle.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wildwood Tavern story. Tell us more about the business.
Welcome to The Wildwood Tavern, where we smoke our own meats, create our special sauces and seasonings from scratch and serve it up with love. Every offering from our daily fresh-cut fries to our sumptuous ribs has the Wildwood Tavern stamp of approval for quality, fresh, never frozen, homemade goodness and unsurpassed taste.
We are most proud of our quality food, our staff, and our history. We have a long history of quality food and great service and we hold our staff up to the highest standards. We enjoy talking to our customers and getting to know them on a personal basis. We are a family owned and operated business striving to make a difference in our surrounding community.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
That’s a very interesting question. The day of the fire one of the original owners who started Myron and Phil’s, Mark’s dad, Myron passed away. We believe that he was giving us a new fresh start in the business. However, it was not to be at the original location. The day that we closed on the property of Wildwood Tavern, The other original owner of Myron and Phil’s (Mark’s Uncle) passed away. We believe he was sending us congratulations on continuing in the restaurant business. We have overcome people talking about the corner that we are currently located upon as a JINX because so many other operators have failed at this location. We are determined to make this the “Meeting Place” for all, especially families where some come from the city and some come from the suburbs.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6480 West Touhy
Niles, IL 60714 - Website: www.wildwoodtavern.net
- Phone: 847-677-6663
- Email: ellie@wildwoodtavern.net
- Instagram: Wildwood Tavern
- Facebook: Wildwood Tavern
- Twitter: #wildwood_tavern
- Yelp: Wildwood Tavern
Image Credit:
Wildwood Tavern Owners: Ellie and Mark Freedman
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