Lazy Dog Restaurant Announces Early March Opening In Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Lazy Dog Restaurants, a California-based restaurant company, sure seems to love the Chicago metro area. Add Buffalo Grove to the list of area municipalities with a location, joining existing restaurants in Northbrook, Oak Brook, Vernon Hills and Naperville.

A spokesperson for Lazy Dog Restaurants told Patch Wednesday the location at 51 McHenry Road will be opening its doors in early March.

"We are thrilled to soon be serving guests for the first time in Buffalo Grove. With new job positions available, we are looking forward to building a team of exceptionally friendly and talented people that will expand our Lazy Dog family," said Chris Simms, founder and CEO of Lazy Dog Restaurants.

As Patch first reported in August 2023, Village officials believe bringing Lazy Dog to Buffalo Grove upholds key components of the Lake Corridor Market Study and Plan, a community-driven vision and plan adopted in 2018. The Buffalo Grove Village Board approved Lazy Dog's plan in November 2023.

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Known for its handcrafted American food and drink, Lazy Dog restaurants are designed to feel like a Rocky Mountain Wyoming escape. The company touts its warm interior complete with lodge-inspired furnishings such as ledge stone, decorative ceiling design treatments, and artwork reminiscent of the Cowboy State. In addition, a large outdoor patio will be built around a fire pit for gatherings.

The property, located on the northeast corner of Lake Cook and McHenry roads, had originally been developed as part of The Grove shopping center. An IHOP was demolished there in 2020. The location is part of the 475-acre Lake Cook Corridor, which officials describe as one of the most visible corners in the village. Daily traffic is estimated at 11,900 (McHenry Road) and 29,900 (Lake Cook Road).

Last week, Patch reported construction on the $150 million mixed-use development known as The Clove, continues across the street from Lazy Dog. Built on the site of the former Town Center, the project got underway in October 2022. The redevelopment of the 22-acre property will include 78,000 square feet of retail space over multiple buildings. The Clove will also have 295 luxury apartments, a park, as well as the remodeling of a 35,000-square-foot shopping center north of Old Checker Road.

Officials said a Wild Fork Foods is also slated to open near Lazy Dog Restaurant this spring.

In preparation for the opening, Lazy Dog said it is now accepting applications for servers, cooks, bartenders, bussers, host/hostesses, and more. All those interested in applying for a position to join the Lazy Dog team are encouraged to visit www.lazydogrestaurants.com/jobs or visit the restaurant location in person.

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