New Lenox North & Maple Opening Set: 'Now The Fun Starts,' Owner Says

NEW LENOX, IL — An official opening date is set for North & Maple Kitchen + Bar New Lenox, owner Jimmy Kollintzas told Patch Thursday.

After some test runs, plenty of training days and menu sampling, Kollintzas and staff feel ready to show the community what they've got. They'll open in the former Bulldog Ale House on Monday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m.

It's been just more than a year since Jimmy Kollintzas announced he'd be bringing his Tinley-based brand to the shuttered sports bar, and he admittedly has grown increasingly impatient with each month. But he wanted to be sure things were as close to perfect as possible before opening.

Finally, it's go time.

"Now the fun starts," he said.

Some might have already gotten a sneak peek, as Kollintzas has welcomed in a limited number of longtime patrons from the Tinley Park location, family and friends. Village representatives are set for a visit before opening, as well.

Kollintzas has been meticulously checking each dish and drink, and ensuring staff members are thoroughly prepared for what he hopes is a business rush ahead. Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, he said, with many noting the drastic differences from its previous existence as Bulldog.

"I feel so happy to hear that," he said, noting the space required a massive overhaul and extensive improvements. It's his brand now, and a new experience.

"We’re North & Maple now."

He knows people have been curious just what's been going on behind the doors of the former sports bar at 2387 East Joliet Highway. The Tinley Park location has been fielding phone calls asking about an opening date for weeks, he said.

Work on the location has been quite an undertaking, he said. The massive, wooden wraparound bar is gone. In its place is a streamlined one with additional seating and TVs on the back wall. The dining room is a mix of high-top tables, booths, and family-friendly seating.

It's a clear shift from the sports-bar feel, but you can still catch a game. Kollintzas timed the opening to coincide with the college football national championship game, set for Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. The Ohio State Buckeyes will take on Notre Dame's Fighting Irish.

The menu, available online, features a wide range of dishes from wings, to pork chops to steaks and pastas, popcorn chicken, cheese curds and tacos. All is made fresh, never frozen, Kollintzas said.

Seasonal dishes—such as prime rib for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day—are planned to rotate through the menu. Burgers are half-pound, he said, and the nachos are "huge." The chicken parmigiana and Asiago-stuffed gnocchi shouldn't be missed. The bar will feature beers, seltzers, cocktails, wine and a wide selection of whiskey and tequila.

Mayor Tim Baldermann said he's eager to welcome Kollintzas and the business.

"We are always appreciative of business owners that develop, or redevelop, property in our community," Baldermann said. "The team at North & Maple have invested a tremendous amount of time and money into making this location a top tier restaurant. Their great reputation, along with this beautifully remodeled space, will be well received by existing and new customers."

North & Maple Kitchen + Bar, 2387 East Joliet Highway, officially opens to the public Monday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m., closing at 11 p.m., Kollintzas said.

Temporary hours will be 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

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