Tollefson Purchases Kendall Pub
Downtown pub expected to reopen Saturday after deal closed Thursday afternoon.
The operation behind Cobblestone Bakery & Bistro and The Follies Theatre has purchased a long-time downtown Yorkville establishment with no plans for immediate changes.
Rick Tollefson, of Imperial Investments, bought Kendall Pub on Thursday afternoon, according to Rachel Conover, whose executive chef duties will expand from Cobblestone to include Kendall Pub. The pub's 25 or so staff members have been invited to stay - without exception - and Conover hopes to revamp a team that plays to everyone's individual strengths, she said.
"Right now, we're hoping to get the staff together and see how we work together," Conover said.
Kendall Pub was closed Friday as the new owners worked to transfer the liquor license, but Conover expected the pub would be open Saturday evening in time for scheduled private parties - if not in time to serve lunch. Conover didn't rule out menu improvements or tweaks in the future, but said there are no plans to change the business name, interior decor or basic menu.
Tollefson owns Cobblestone Bakery & Bistro, which has about 15 employees, as well as the building that houses The Follies Theatre and some downtown apartment buildings. He also sits on the YEDC's board of directors and is president of Boombah Inc., a sports apparel and equipment company that relocated from Morris to Yorkville's north side within the last year.
Conover said the sale is just another sign of Tollefson's commitment to downtown Yorkville.
"He believes wholeheartedly in downtown Yorkville, and he's all in," Conover said.
Yorkville Mayor Gary Golinski said he's enjoyed working with Tollefson on his projects in Yorkville over the past year or so.
"When he says he's going to do something, it gets done right and it gets done quickly," Golinski wrote in an e-mail. "Anyone that's been to Cobblestone, Follies or Boombah knows the type of first rate establishments they are bringing to Yorkville."
"I've always loved our downtown and saw it's potential," Golinski continued. "So, it's nice to work with someone who also sees that potential and has a vision for a prosperous, bustling downtown. I've said all along that 2012 is going to be a big year for Yorkville and this is only the beginning."
sarah b.w.t.
3:23 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
please - just don't mess with the BURGER!!!!! the KP burger is the BEST anywhere (although I hear the Bristol Tap has a good one too...future competition?)
Carol
7:59 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
The Kendall Pub is where the owner of the Bristol Tap used to be and where the famous Bristol Burger originated.
tj
4:42 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
The Famous Bristol burger I believe is the same as Kendall Pub Burger.
Jillian Duchnowski
4:47 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
Comment on Yorkville Patch Facebook page: I hope they don't change ANYTHING! LOVE this place!
Jillian Duchnowski
4:47 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
Comment on Yorkville Patch Facebook page: As soon as changes are made, people will stop coming here. Especially raising prices... small town folks don't care for change.
Jillian Duchnowski
4:48 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
Comment on Yorkville Patch Facebook page: Maybe some management that's not so friendly and dislikes kids can go, but other than that it should stay the same
Jillian Duchnowski
4:48 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
Comment on Yorkville Patch Facebook page: These guys have done a great job with Cobblestone and the theater so I expect that any changes to the pub will be fabulous! Downtown Yorkville needs to attract more business & these guys are doing a great job!
Jillian Duchnowski
4:49 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
Comment on Yorkville Patch Facebook page: It is about time! Looking forward to the new Kendall pub! Conovers are awesome...
Kathy Kohler
11:52 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I wish the development great success in their ventures. Just to keep the story straight, first came the Bristol Burger courtesy of Joe. The Bristol Tap is a long time business in Bristol; some will remember the original building from down the street. Joe purchased the tavern downtown many years after the Bristol Tap was opened and his sister, April (love her!) managed for him. Make the story short - Bristol burger from The Bristol Tap has been a Kendall county favorite for many, many years before the Kendall Pub was ever conceived. Bon appetit all :-)