‘The Big Cheese’ Opens in Northcenter After a Long Road

With the artisan grilled cheese craze running rampant, The Big Cheese decided to cash in by opening new restaurant at in North Center catering to grilled cheese connoisseurs. 

Located at 4229 N. Lincoln Ave., the neighborhood’s newest restaurant has traveled a long road before its recent grand opening on Oct. 26. Owners began construction in February of this year, and after announcing on EveryBlock they planned to open in April, faced a few setbacks.

“We are doing some major work on the place but we are shooting to open in early to mid April,” the owner Mike wrote on EveryBlock. “We will have a grilled cheese centric menu but we will also be serving breakfast on the weekends for those early risers! We are really excited about the endeavor and we are sure it will become a staple in the north center community.”

But after announcing in late August he planned to open The Big Cheese’s doors in early October, the restaurant failed a critical inspection. According to the report, a restaurant inspector went to the new store on Oct. 3 and found a large list of violations ranging from missing soap in the kitchen to the need to completely regrout the bathroom floors.

The restaurant passed a later inspection on Oct. 12.

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After all the delays, the store is a hit with locals. After being open just a few days since it’s launch, The Big Cheese has snagged quality reviews on Yelp, applause from commenters online and as of Friday evening, one of the biggest compliments of all.

“At The Big Cheese on Lincoln,” Tweeted Ald. Ameya Pawar (47^th). “Great food! Welcome to the ward.”

The restaurant’s menu is a mix of soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches and sides. The sandwiches average around $9 and range from the American Classic to a Quattro Formaggio e Pomodoro Secchi. 

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