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Firewater Saloon Eyes Mount Greenwood; Mexican Eatery Could Open In Leona's

By Howard Ludwig | August 14, 2017 4:49pm | Updated on August 14, 2017 5:28pm
 Firewater Saloon will replace TR's Pub in Mount Greenwood, according to Jamie Suckow, owner of the country bar and restaurant based in Edison Park.
Firewater Saloon will replace TR's Pub in Mount Greenwood, according to Jamie Suckow, owner of the country bar and restaurant based in Edison Park.
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DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig

MOUNT GREENWOOD — Firewater Saloon plans to open a second location in Mount Greenwood, replacing TR's Pub, according to Jamie Suckow, an owner of the country bar and barbecue restaurant in Edison Park.

Firewater's lawyers are currently in negotiations to take over the tavern at 3908 W. 111th St., Suckow said. She predicted Monday the restaurant and bar will make its long-awaited debut in December.

"We are jumping ship from Leona's and moving over to TR's," she said.

The owners of Firewater Saloon initially showed interest in replacing Leona's at 11060 S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park. A meeting with neighbors and nearby businesses was held April 10.

Instead, one of Firewater's chefs is hoping to open a Mexican restaurant at Leona's, Suckow said. The restaurant would be his first; he previously operated a food truck, Suckow said.

Leona's closed its restaurant July 1 at 11060 S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park.  [DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig]

As for TR's, Suckow said several people suggested that the chain known for live country music, hearty sandwiches and its weekend brunch consider Mount Greenwood as it expanded beyond the Far Northwest Side.

Mount Greenwood "was just a better fit," she said.

Suckow said both Firewater and the proposed Mexican restaurant are waiting for construction permits and other approvals from the city before moving forward. Once that's approved, she estimated it will take about three weeks for the Mexican restaurant to open.

TR's will continue to operate until all the permits are secured, which Suckow expects by Oct. 1.

According to a recent real estate listing, TR's Pub had been for sale since Aug. 10, 2016. The asking price was $700,000. The online listing was removed July 31. The broker for the property did not return calls seeking comment Monday.

A bartender at TR's Pub would only say "nothing is finalized yet."

Firewater Saloon also recently announced plans to open a location in Streeterville, which drew a less-than-enthusiastic reception from Downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) and neighbors, who say the bar attracts a rowdy late-night crowd.

Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) was tepid about the deal announced Monday for the Far Southwest Side. He remained confident there is room for Firewater Saloon somewhere within 19th Ward. But he said it's too early to celebrate any deal for TR's Pub or Leona's.

That said, he's hoping the process goes smoothly, as he'd like to see both new restaurants up and running.

"I think it will be a great addition to those neighborhoods," O'Shea said.