Journal & Topics Media Group

Thai Square, American Wildburger Expect To Open New Locations Next Month


Thai Square Restaurant’s new location at 1550 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, former home of American Wildburger, is expected to open next month.

For the past 10 years, Thai Square has been located in the Des Plaines Theater building in downtown Des Plaines. A sign in the window of the 1476 Miner St. location states a tentative opening date of Sept. 1 for the new location.

City council members July 16 approved a $15,000 business assistance program request for approximately $50,903 in work needed to adapt the kitchen at 1550 E. Oakton for the Thai restaurant’s use.

Des Plaines officially purchased the theater building in June. Built in the 1920s, the theater has been in disrepair and closed to the public since 2014. Going forward, City Manager Mike Bartholomew said it could see patrons as soon as 2019, following rehabilitation work partially funded by Rivers Casino.

Patrick Ainsworth, economic development coordinator for Des Plaines, told the Journal Thai Square began working with city staff in March to find a new location, after the former building owner said the restaurant’s lease would not be renewed.

Though the new Oakton Street location will have less seating, Ainsworth said it will be more efficient and allow the restaurant to focus on delivery, carryout and catering services. Restaurant owners from both Thai Square and American Wildburger are working on building plans, he said.

“This was a great win for the city,” said Ainsworth of the cooperation between both businesses.

American Wildburger is converting property at 1530-1534 E. Oakton St., near its original location, into a sit-down restaurant. In April, owners of the restaurant were also granted a business assistance program request for renovations at the property. The new location is also expected to open by September, said restaurant staff.

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