A development group with local ties has purchased the rights to open a Titled Kilt Pub & Eatery franchise in Bourbonnais in 2010.

The purchase allows the developers (Paul DiBendetto, Joe Perry, Biagio Savarino, Dan LaMore, Ed Daly and Ken Daly) to open Tilted Kilt restaurants in Will and Kankakee counties and parts of Cook County. Plans call for locations in New Lennox and Bourbonnais next year.

They also purchased the former Bennigan’s restaurant at 95th Street and Ridgeland in Chicago Ridge and plan to open a Tilted Kilt there in September.

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery first opened inside the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in 2003. There are now 29 locations in 11 states.

The sports pub’s menu features largely American fare, but I did see Shepard’s Pie and fish and chips among the offerings.

But perhaps their food isn’t the biggest draw, as the press release also noted that “the Tilted Kilt wait staff provides an appealing visual experience.” I believe that’s code for, “Your wings and beer are served by scantily-clad, well-endowed hotties”, don’t you?

I reported on June 1 that JR’s Chicken was planning to open a Bourbonnais location in mid-June. I just spoke with an employee, and she said they are now hoping for the middle of next week. I’ll post another update then.

JR’s Chicken will be opening a Bourbonnais location this month.

The second store will be carryout only and should open mid-June. It will be on the north side of the old Kroger building, next to Thomas David Salons.

I reported in August that an Arby’s was planned for U.S. 45/52 in Bourbonnais. At the time, Ed Miller, who also owns the Arby’s in Bradley, was close to finalizing the plans for the new restaurant and anticipated beginning construction in the fall, with an opening date sometime after the first of the year. Not surprisingly, the economy affected those plans.

I spoke with Mr. Miller recently and he told me that they’re reinvestigating building this summer. He said they own the land, which is on the east side of the road about 1/4 mile north of Larry Power Road, and that it’s a question of when they build, not if.

A reader named Sharon sent me this recommendation via email:

“If you are looking for ideas for your Best Bites article in the Journal, several of my friends think the small cafe at Riverside Health Fitness Center in Bourbonnais is very good for lunch. They have a new chef and he has added some nice things to the menu. Anyone can eat there whether a member of the Fitness Center or not.  If you are in the area, check it out.”

The Cafe, as it’s formally know, IS a great place, and one that few people know about.

My husband and I went there for lunch recently and really enjoyed it. I ordered the vegetable quesadilla and a fruit smoothie, and Brendan got the southwest chicken wrap and cream of spinach soup. I also went back on Friday and had the tuna plate special. You can see from the photos below that the food is beautifully prepared and the portions are generous. Most importantly, it tasted as good as it looked.

The breakfast menu includes eggs and omelets. I’m told that the most popular item is a breakfast scramble made with egg whites and veggies. The lunch menu features sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, salads and burgers (garden, turkey and sirloin.) Other offerings include coffee, smoothies, snack bars and various to-go items.

I love that there are so many healthy offerings, but if you’re afraid it’s just “rabbit food,” don’t be. Try the steak and cheese quesadilla, or the Philly wrap, or the Turkey Reuben.

As Sharon points out, anyone can eat at the cafe, regardless of whether you’re a member of the fitness center or not. There are several tables for seating, and even a TV if you want to watch while you eat.

The cafe opens at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. It closes at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m. Wednesday, and 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. It’s closed on the weekends.

The new chef that Sharon referred to is Danny Ayers, an alum of Bishop McNamara and the culinary arts program at Joliet Junior College. He started at Riverside last June.

The fitness center, at 100 Fitness Drive in Bourbonnais, is on the east side of Illinois Route 45/52, about 1/8 mile south of St. George Road, a.k.a. 5000 N. Road. Click here for a map.

If you’re like me, and saving money and eating out are high on your “like to do as often as possible” list, I’ve got great news: There’s now an easy way to do both at the same time.

Let’s Eat Out is a new online program that features coupons for local eateries. The program, which launched this morning, can be found here. From the Web site, you can search the available coupons by cuisine type, location of the restaurant, atmosphere and more. When you find a
coupon you like, print it out and take it to the restaurant.

If that’s not convenient, use our Mobile Club to get coupons sent to your phone. Text the word EAT to our short code, which is 48534. Every time you send a text message, you’ll receive a coupon from our database.

You can also sign up for the Let’s Eat Out Email Club if you want the coupons to be sent to your email in-box. Click here to get started.

More coupons will be available as more advertisers join the program, and advertisers can change their coupons monthly.

Special thanks to our debut advertisers:

* America’s Bistro
* Eddie’s Bar & Grill
* HoneyBaked Ham and Cafe
* JR’s Chicken
* Mr. Giggles Pizza
* Rondinella’s Italian Imports
* Vito’s Pizzeria and Pub

If you have questions about Let’s Eat Out, feel free to contact me at drenckens@daily-journal.com or at (815) 937-3374.

If you’re a restaurant interested in participating in this program, please contact Andrew Wheeler at (815) 929-5416.

Armenise’s Eighteen 75 in Bourbonnais is having Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To make a reservation, call (815) 929-1875.

A reader named Donna sent me this via email:

“My husband and I went to Jimmy Jo’s last Saturday evening (21st). Arrived around 7:00. They were already out of pulled pork, bbq ribs and smoked turkey. We had the beef brisket dinner and it was wonderful!

Since they are new in town I’m sure they will get a handle on how much food to make. They informed us that it takes 15 hours of slow cooking for their meats and they don’t want leftovers.”

Steak ‘n Shake has happy hour! For a limited time, drinks and shakes are half-price from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Locally, Steak ‘n Shake is on Locke Drive in Bourbonnais, a block east of the intersection of Armour Road and Illinois Route 50.

The weekly Best Bites column that appears in The Daily Journal print edition is now online. You can read it here.