EDGEWATER— Though Ald. Harry Osterman expressed worry the city's massive tax hike would drive businesses out of the neighborhood, at least one new place is getting ready to settle in: a new pancake house called Cozy Corner.
Though partner Peter Iatrides said rising costs were always a concern in the restaurant business, he and partner Nick Tsiftilis were eager to open the breakfast and lunch spot as soon as April of next year.
"We love the neighborhood: a lot of density, a lot of diversity up there," he said. "I think every neighborhood needs a nice quality diner, and Cozy Corner is going to try to provide that."
The pancake house will take over the former Deluxe Diner spot at 6349 N. Clark St. It's undergoing a gut rehab to restore the property and transform its interior to resemble its flagship Logan Square location at 2294 N. Milwaukee Ave.
"Everything is getting replaced except the four walls," he said.
The pancake house will also absorb Deluxe's neighbor, Maria's Subs, which sits along Devon Avenue, creating one cohesive space, Iatrides said.
The company will be looking to hire from within the community, Iatrides said, about 35 people in all.
Iatrides said the eatery would initially be open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. If the demand for later hours is strong, they'll consider moving back the closing time.
The daytime hours will help keep labor and food costs down by focusing on "service, quality and consistency" Iatrides said, helping to keep the restaurant's costs efficent during an especially difficult time for Chicago business owners.
Iatrides said he hoped to earn the patronage of loyal regulars and morning commuters by offering affordable specials like an early bird breakfast from 6-9 a.m. for $5.99, a favorite at the Logan Square location.
Records show Deluxe Diner failed at least one routine health inspection in May, and, in June, a health inspector was sent to the restaurant after someone filed a complaint. In both cases, inspectors found live roaches in the main food prep area, in an ice machine and under the microwave.
According to city health records, Deluxe was given the green light to begin serving customers again on June 15, but owners did not renew their business licenses for either restaurant after they expired just two months later.
A sign taped to the diner's windows said it would be closed for maintenance beginning June 29 "until further notice," but by that time, wheels were already in motion to transform the restaurant into Cozy Corner.
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