All Stars On Board Restaurant Opens in Vernon Hills

Published July 2, 2013

When Peter Sayegh decided to open a sports bar, he knew it was important for his patrons to feel welcome.

He also knew where he’d experienced that welcoming feeling.

“I’ve been on a cruise a few times, and when you’re on a cruise, you’re spoiled,” he said.

That’s why he decided to infuse a bit of a nautical theme in his restaurant, All Stars On Board, which opened in early June in Vernon Hills. Captain's wheels on the walls and an epoxy painted blue floor, designed to look like the ocean, help set the theme.

Menu items include “Shipwreck Shrimp,” “Pirates Booty” nachos and a “Toe the Line” burger amid other, more traditionally named fare. It’s “traditional American favorites, and some with a twist,” explained General Manager Jay Hattar. 

But All Stars On Board makes the biggest waves with its sports bar atmosphere, which includes 28 high-definition TV screens and three projectors. Sports fans can cheer on their team from any seat in the restaurant, including its centrally located bar, which serves 36 tap beers, 30 lines of domestic and craft bottled beer and assorted other beverages. Black and white photos of Chicago sports arenas adorn the walls.

The restaurant had been open only days when the Chicago Blackhawks made it to the championship game. The staff was caught off guard when hockey fans poured in to watch the game.

“With the Hawks game, we got so mauled,” Hattar said. “We seated 150 people in an hour.”

“We are looking forward to football season now,” he said.

But, he added, “We’re not just a sports bar. We’re a family-friendly restaurant, too.” Hattar noted that children’s menus are available. Darts, Golden Tee, and a jukebox are on hand for the young and the young at heart. 

“We just try to make sure everybody feels on board for a good time,” Hattar said.

All Stars On Board, which replaced McCarthy’s Restaurant and Irish Pub, is located at the back of Hawthorn Mall, next to Macy’s. It opens daily at 11 a.m. and welcomes patrons until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. In addition to waiter service, it offers carryout and pre-orders by phone, so that meals are ready to be served when guests arrive.

A grand-opening celebration with family-friendly activities is tentatively scheduled for early September.

For more information, visit the restaurant’s website and “like” the restaurant on Facebook.