A staple of the Fox Valley dining scene for 50 years, The Karas Restaurant Group spans the length and breadth of the Fox Valley, and beyond. In the first of two articles highlighting the Group’s four major brands, we look at the the largest: Rookie’s All American Pub & Grill.
Rookie’s All American Pub & Grill
Before there was Rookies All American Pub & Grill, there was a boy who loved sports growing up in the restaurant business. Bob Karas grew up learning about the industry from his father, Paul, who co-founded The Village Squire in 1974. From a young age, Karas was involved in restaurants and sports, playing baseball, football and basketball and rooting on Chicago’s professional teams.
After graduating from Northern Illinois University, he would open his first Rookies, achieving a lifelong dream of owning a sports bar. Rookies’ St. Charles is the first of seven locations and part of 15 (soon 16) restaurants in the Karas Group.
To Karas, “It felt natural to meld my passion for sports and restaurants into my career,” he says.
In the early years, he and co-owner Mike Maridis faced competition from local sports bar franchise Bud’s, now closed. The two concocted the $1 burger and hot dog special to separate themselves. It was really well received, Karas notes. “People couldn’t believe the deal.”
The $1 burger promotion is still a popular rotating promotion throughout the year, alongside classics like homemade wings, gyros, ribs, salads, burgers, pizza and saganaki. It’s family-friendly, too: Kids eat free on Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Other daily specials can be found online, ranging from $6 mimosas on Sundays to 99-cent wings on Mondays. On the other end of the $1 burger is the $1 million plus renovation at Rookies’ St. Charles location. Brand-new furniture, booths, lighting, brick and stone exterior, sidewalks and and a huge outdoor bar, stage and patio are just some of the highlights that you’ll find at the updated location. The bar now boasts a Vegas-style sports setup, and more than 50 TVs guarantee you’ll find the game you’re headed there to watch.
“It’s a brand-new, beautiful restaurant,” Karas says, adding the fact that it’s the most beautiful Rookies is fitting, given it’s also the original location. “We love St. Charles,” Karas continues. Maridis, along with Elpida Gates live in the St. Charles area and all of their children have attended St. Charles schools. Rookies sponsors local sports teams, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; the restaurant is also an active member of St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to being involved, Rookies retains a longstanding group of dedicated employees that prioritize customer service. The quality of his staff and lack of turnover is something Karas takes pride in. “I cannot run 10 restaurants by myself,” he says, emphasizing the exceptional quality of Rookies’ staff, food and service. The restaurant industry is not an easy one, but that doesn’t affect Karas’ devotion to it. “I love what I do,” he says. “I have passion for it.”
Next up: Old Republic kitchen+bar, Alexander’s Cafe’ and The Village Squire restaurants.
