MOUNT GREENWOOD — Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt will replace Grant's Wonderburger in Mount Greenwood.
The iconic burger joint said goodbye after 60 years this week. Late Thursday, Amit Patel said he'd bought the 41-seat restaurant at 11045 S. Kedzie Ave.
"We thought that the community needed to know the future of the building," Patel said via email.
Patel, a resident of nearby Blue Island, said he expects Orange Leaf to open in May. He added that Orange Leaf was eager set up shop in Mount Greenwood, saying the population density and strong family atmosphere offered an attractive opportunity.
"We concentrate mainly on delivering high-quality frozen yogurt. There will be 24 flavors along with various toppings," Patel said.
Patel has lived in Blue Island since 1990. He also owns the Jimmy John's sandwich shop at 12601 S. Western Ave.
Oklahoma City-based Orange Leaf has more than 300 locations in the United States and Australia. The Mount Greenwood store is the only outlet planned for Chicago. The chain is also expects to open suburban locations in Deerfield, Downers Grove, Elk Grove, LaGrange, Hoffman Estates and Winnetka.
The self-serve, choose-your-own topping shop also serves no-sugar-added, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan yogurt.
In 2013, Orange Leaf was ranked as the fastest growing frozen yogurt chain based on network sales by IBISWorld and one of the fastest growing limited-service chains by Chicago-based Technomic.
Patel seemed well aware that selling frozen yogurt in the winter could be a challenge. Thus, he plans on asking the franchise to include an additional menu item.
"We may offer hot chocolate," he said.
