Phoenix Flame, the Mediterranean/Latin fusion restaurant found in Niles, is getting ready to expand to a new location in Rolling Meadows at 3240 Kirchoff Rd.
The company’s second location will move into the former home of Great American Bagel in the Rolling Meadows Shopping Center, according to the Daily Herald. Owner Yanko Dimchev tells What Now Chicago they are waiting for approval of several permits and licenses but hopes to open sometime in Summer 2023. The new full-service restaurant will have 55 seats and a bar, which the city council recently approved the business for a Class A2 liquor license.
This is a significant accomplishment for Dimchev, and his wife, Margita, who started the business as a food truck in 2016. The two opened the first location in Niles at 8010 N Waukegan Road with only 12 seats and gained popularity after pivoting to a carryout operation during the pandemic. When the new, larger location opens, customers can expect a variety of delicious Mediterranean and Latin-inspired dishes, including Bulgogi short rib, Mediterranean sausage, pork, chicken, shrimp, Canadian salmon, and Argentinian-style New York strip steak.
The second Phoenix Flame was made possible after the city council awarded Dimchev an incentive package at the beginning of this year. Under this program, ownership will receive a refund of up to $5,000 in building fees and a facade and interior grant of up to $10,000. Dimchev will also receive a portion of food and beverage taxes in the first three years of operations. The new Phoenix Flame will benefit significantly from the area’s high visibility and car traffic on Kirchoff and accessible parking.