New restaurant offers flavors from both sides of the border
By ASHLEY RHODEBECK
ST. CHARLES – Dining parties struggling to decide between Mexican and American cuisine can soon settle the argument by going to a new St. Charles restaurant selling food for both tastes.
Located at 902 Randall Road just south of Route 38, Northern Border American Grill and Baja California Fresh Mexican Grill is one restaurant with two names that asks customers, “What side of the border would you enjoy today?”
Fifty-one-year-old Edmund Anozie of Crystal Lake developed the restaurant based on research indicating the future strength of Mexican eateries and the reality that not everybody wants to eat Mexican food.
Anozie hopes to open the restaurant Feb. 1 or 2 and already is talking about opening a second location.
“Great food and great service in a great environment will always sell, even in tough times,” he said.
Chefs Paul Brown and Tony Romanelli developed the menu, which includes made-to-order quesadillas, tacos, salads, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs.
“[We] have digital menu boards, so [we] can respond to customer needs,” Anozie said.
Originally from West Africa, Anozie emigrated to the United States when he was 17.
Now married and a U.S. citizen, he and his wife, Stella, have two sons, ages 12 and 8.
His experience in the food industry spans 25 years and includes management experience at Taco Bell and KFC. He was most recently a food executive for Target Corporation, he said.
Opening the restaurant will fulfill a 15-year dream that has been put on hold while his wife, Stella, worked toward becoming a physician, Anozie said.
Because his wife has a background in design, she helped select the restaurant’s bright color scheme.
Anozie said he hopes the mood rubs off on his diners.
“When you leave, you feel happy,” he said.
For your information ...
What: Northern Border American Grill and Baja California Fresh Mexican Grill
Where: 902 Randall Road, St. Charles
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.
Opening: Tentative opening is first week of February.
Jobs: Applications for employment are available at the restaurant.
