Schoop's to open in former Busse & Rieck
I’ve just confirmed that Schoop’s Hamburgers will be opening next year at 515 S. Main Street in Bourbonnais.
Franchise partners Butch Hovarter and Don Grobner, who owns the area Boz’s franchises, expect to close on the building, which was formerly occupied by Busse & Rieck, in the next two weeks. According to Hovartner, they also have purchased the home behind the building and plan to turn that into additional parking. Once the purchase of the former flower shop is complete, a Schoop’s architect will come in and renovations will begin. They hope to be open by March 1, 2009.
Hovarter described Schoop’s as a family-oriented 1950s hamburger restaurant that also does breakfast. Everything is prepared fresh, including the oversized burgers that I understand have a signature crispy edge. There’s no drive-through, but there is a classic diner counter.
Currently the closest Schoop’s is in Monee, and the franchise got its start in Munster, Ind. Here’s more about them from their Web site:
“Schoop’s hamburgers have been a part of the Calumet Region of Indiana and Illinois since 1948. It’s the area southeast of Chicago where gutsy workers make steel, refine oil and build things big. … Fresh never frozen, cooked to crispy perfection, a Schoop’s burger spills out of the bun. Throw in an endless cup of good coffee, efficient service and a throwback feel and it’s no wonder that Calumet Region folk have been coming to Schoop’s for generations. Now it’s time to share. Schoop’s has 21 locations from Bloomingdale, Ill., to Warsaw, Ind., with most locations centered around the original stores near Munster, Ind. And there’s plans for stores in Florida, Las Vegas and the Houston area.
Have you ever eaten at a Schoop’s? If so, please leave a comment below.



August 28th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Denise,
There is also a Schoop’s in Lowell, IN, off to the right on side street just before you get to little mall on East side of town (to right if headed East). I have had both breakfast and lunch in that one and enjoyed everything about it, food, service, menu, everything. I am happy to see one coming to Bourbonnais.
John
August 28th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I’m from NW Indiana and been eating at Shoop’s for over 20 yrs. We have about 8 in Lake County & one just down the block from my home. I am in the Kankakee area every other weekend and believe they would do very well in your area.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I’ve eaten at the Crown Point and Lowell Schoop’s locations. You get your money’s worth…and then some. Great hamburgers that will remind you of Steak & Shake. Wash your burger and fries down with a Green River too!
Schoop’s, Culver’s, the return of Little Caesar’s…our area is making an effort to bring in some quality eating places. If only we could land a Noodles & Company. Their Pad Thai is quite delicious.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Oh great. Now I’m craving Thai food. Thanks!
… Too bad I can’t get any around here. I’ve heard there’s a Thai restaurant off Volmer Road at I-57, but I have yet to find it. … But with all these new chains coming to town, what about Panera?? That’s a great place, whether it be to grab lunch, enjoy a book or buy some fresh bread. Hopefully I’ll be able to write about them soon, too.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Heard anymore news on when this is suppose to open??
July 9th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
The Thai restaurant is called Siam Thai & it is just past Governor’s Highway, I believe, on Vollmer on the North side of the road. Both sides of the road have a strip of businesses. By Siam Thai, there is a waffle house & a Pepperidge Farm Outlet. It is worth every mile you have to drive to get there. My brother orders their Pad Thai every time he goes but they have so many other things that are much more interesting. I was the one who told you about this restaurant, Denise. I hope you get a chance to visit. I recommend the BBQ Pork Fried Rice, Spicy Noodle with Shrimp, Chicken Stir Fry with Garlic & Black Pepper and the Nham Sode. The Thai iced coffee & Thai iced tea are also good. Again, I have never had a bad meal there.
July 20th, 2009 at 10:54 am
What about a Sonic? I love their burgers. I know there is one in Country Club Hills. Maybe they’ll start moving south.
August 10th, 2009 at 10:22 am
They are the best hamburgers ever!!! I worked at the one in Highland Indiana when I was 18 and until I moved to ILL. in 92. I always told my husband that we needed a Schoops here and wanted to open one myself… My mouth waters when I think about the “Micky Burger”!!!! I know I will be a loyal customer. I have a good history with Schoops!!
January 7th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Best Thai place for anyone close: 5-Star Thai on Rte 30 in Schererville, IN! This BYOB hole in the wall serves THE best Thai I have ever had (although I have never eaten at the Siam on Vollmer Rd.) The main gal that serves there has worked there for years and is a total foodie! She knows the menu like the back of her hand and can help you decide what you’ll like (I was a novice Thai eater first time I went and she knew how to hook me!) Sit and place your order, then go across the parking lot to get yourself some beer or wine and have a drink while you wait for dinner! The food is absolutely authentic, fresh and delicious… but be warned: Make your reservation for a Friday or Saturday; it could be hit or miss with the crowds! Also, if they can’t get something at the fresh market, it will be missing from the menu, rather than substituting with lesser quality ingredients! I LOVE THIS PLACE! (SCHOOP’S ROCKS TOO!)