Gunshots were heard at about 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the 5200 block of West Pensacola Avenue in Portage Park, at about the same time a stolen vehicle was read story
Former Big Top cook opens eatery in Edgebrook on Chicago’s NW Side
by BRIAN NADIG
The owner of the new Chicago Breakfast Restaurant, which opened this week at 5419 W. Devon Ave. in Edgebrook, has decades of experience at some well-known former and current eateries in the area.
“I was at the Big Top for 25 years,” Ernesto Mendoza said, adding that as a teenager he was a busboy and dishwasher there for about two years and the rest as a cook. “I’m still friends with John (former Big Top owner). He and I go out for coffee.” The Big Top operated for more than 40 years at 6348 W. Higgins Ave. before closing in 2019.
Mendoza also owned Los Cuates taco stand, 7301 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, for 17 years and has worked at other restaurants, including Kappy’s American Grill, 7200 W. Demspter St., Morton Grove.
Mendoza is now opening a restaurant that will include traditional breakfast meals and Mexican favorites. It is located inside the former home of Sushilicious and Ivy’s Burgers.
“I drove by, (and) I liked the place,” Mendoza said, adding that after some inquiries he signed a lease. There is parking behind the restaurant.
Tentative hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with breakfast, lunch and dinner served, but the hours could be extended if the demand is there, Mendoza said. He added that he is planning to close at 4 p.m. one day a week.
The grand opening features some specials including biscuits and gravy, with eggs and choice of sausage, bacon or ham for $11.99, Mendoza said.
He’s also planning a steak and eggs special for $18.99.
“Steak is so expensive, (but) I want people to try our good skirt steaks.”
Mexican entree specials, possibly enchiladas, also are in tap for the opening, he said.
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