Three Fairview Heights restaurants are close to opening. Here’s where they stand
Business activity in the area can sometimes be fickle.
Getting intel on openings, closings and what’s coming soon can be challenging. If I report on a new business and mention a target opening or construction timeframe, delays can be frustrating, not just for the business owner or for me as a reporter, but for those of you looking forward to checking it out.
And when there are delays for openings I’ve mentioned in a column, I can’t help but wonder if I’m jinxing some of these places. I mean, am I the Katharine Hepburn of business reporting? She was absolutely fabulous but considered box office poison.
I’m probably overthinking it. I often do.
Sure, delays happen, especially with restaurants. One of the many things I’m learning about the restaurant industry is that it’s not an easy business, with or without delays.
On the upside, delays give me more opportunities to share information with readers.
Three restaurants and a bar are closer to opening
Tasty Bowl Stirfry & Sushi in Fairview Heights is closer to opening the doors to welcome customers at the new Asian restaurant.
Owner Sean Lin hoped to see that happen in May but said that he’s awaiting final city inspections. He’s now looking at a mid-June opening at 51 Lincoln Highway.
Menu items will include sushi, ramen, and stirfry bowls that customers will assemble themselves and watch as automated robotic tumblers cook them individually.
Lin is an experienced restaurateur, having opened multiple restaurants nationwide. His experience in the business goes back to before he was even 10 years old and helping at his parents’ restaurant. Lin has hands-on experience in all positions, from dishwasher and server to manager and owner.
He opened his first restaurant in 2005 and has since opened other establishments in multiple states, including New York, Nebraska, and Kansas, where he opened Sake Lounge in 2013.
Also slated for a May opening in Fairview Heights was Royal Palm Mediterranean Cuisine.
Owner Bahjat Hamdallah said “things are coming along good” at the new Mediterranean restaurant. He anticipates a June opening as he works to complete some final equipment repairs.
Royal Palm, located at 130 Ludwig Drive, will offer Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Lebanese dishes featuring grilled lamb and chicken, kebabs and other savory fare.
Last year, when the former Agostino’s was to open as Jack Henry’s, the building was painted a bright yellow. Hamdallah repainted the building tan and brown, which are easier on the eyes and give a more calming vibe.
I’m keeping a close eye on both Tasty Bowl and Royal Palm because I want to keep you in the know. Plus, I’m really looking forward to sampling the fare myself.
I recently reported on the upcoming opening of Atomic Wings in Fairview Heights. At the time, I left messages but hadn’t yet spoken to owners Chris and Evelyn Steinacher.
The New York-based chicken restaurant, according to city documents, had a tentative opening date of June 4.
Since that column published, Evelyn Steinacher texted me to say she’s awaiting a final city inspections and that the opening has been pushed back, maybe a few weeks. I’ll keep an eye on that too.
In addition to the new Atomic Wings location, the Steinachers also own Firehouse Subs locations in Collinsville and Edwardsville.
Atomic Wings is located at the former CherryBerry Self-Serve Yogurt Bar at 6100 N. Illinois St. in Fairview Heights. This will be the second location in Illinois and is among 35 locations overall.
For more info about Atomic Wings, visit atomicwings.com.
The Harp Pub in Belleville is not open yet, but it’s coming. I checked in with Glen McElligott and Greg Partelow again for a new update.
McElligott responded to say they’re “trying to tie up loose ends for the final push” to open at 1112 W. Main St.
There’s still a delay for some parts, but he said you “can’t rush a good thing.”
I couldn’t agree more.
McElligott and Partelow acquired the historic building in an auction on St. Patrick’s Day 2021.
I got my first look inside the place last summer and visited again in February. It was clear to see the progress made in that time.
Work included the installation of repurposed mahogany panels on the walls, new bathrooms and a vintage Art Deco bar, and the construction – from scratch – of a second bar for additional seating.
Fingers crossed the doors open soon. When they do, maybe I’ll see some of you there.
Two restaurants to visit now
As we wait for these new businesses to open, here are a couple of places you can now visit and grab a bite.
The new Wingstop location at Belleville Crossing is now open.
Located at 5870 Belleville Crossing St., the location is open 11 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
Other area locations include 1118 Merchants Way, Suite 110, O’Fallon, and 1075 Collinsville Crossing Blvd., Collinsville. For more info about Wingstop, visit wingstop.com.
Urban’s Chicken & Fish opened in Collinsville in February.
The made-to-order food establishment is located at 501 Beltline Road, Suite 20 B, in Collinsville. Menu items include catfish, tilapia, shrimp, fried chicken, wings and a variety of sauces and sides.
I learned about this one from reader Jesse G., who wanted to give me a heads-up. He enjoys the food there, is now a regular customer and wants others to know about the place.
Hours listed on the website are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more info, call 618-855-9002 or visit urbanschickenandfish.com.
