Business & Tech
Tollefson Purchases Kendall Pub
Downtown pub expected to reopen Saturday after deal closed Thursday afternoon.
The operation behind and has purchased a long-time downtown Yorkville establishment with no plans for immediate changes.
Rick Tollefson, of Imperial Investments, bought 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.
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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 , 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 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.
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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."
