For Immediate Release:              

Chicago’s Favorite Neighborhood Diner Adds Modern Twist
Nookies Edgewater appeals to community’s evolving tastes

Chicago, IL (January 23, 2012) – The newest Nookies location in the heart of the Bryn Mawr Historic District of Edgewater is the next evolution of the successful 38-year-old neighborhood restaurant. While staying true to its diner-style roots, it is now offering customers a true dining experience. With a modern design and a new, chef-driven menu, Nookies Edgewater caters to the more sophisticated palate of today’s diners. They also added a liquor, juice and espresso bar, free parking, private event space and a 2,000 square foot patio, slated to open this spring, to create a full-service neighborhood destination.

“We’ve upped the ante at this location to appeal to our customer’s evolving tastes,” says owner Michael Mitsoglou. “Our new dinner menu features more chef-driven, seasonal and slow-cooked dishes, but we remain focused on what our restaurants have traditionally been about — approachable fresh comfort food without any pretense. Our goal is to set a new standard of excellence among neighborhood family restaurants open for breakfast, lunch and dinner anywhere in Chicago.”

The Nookies team knew the difficulty of getting the “modern diner” concept right. Their goal was to preserve the traditional diner approach by presenting an affordable, large-scale menu with updated classics and seasonal creations any time of day in a spacious, comfortable setting. “Many people have attempted to modernize diners, which has either resulted in breakfast and lunch-only restaurants or smaller cafes with a limited eclectic menu, far removed from the core ideals of comfort and affordability,” adds Mitsoglou.

For those with limited time to spend in the kitchen, Nookies Edgewater offers updated classics like juicy roasts, braises, and barbecues, slow-cooked to perfection in a state-of-the-art kitchen. With a focus on fresh ingredients, Nookies’ chefs buy from local farms whenever possible to create seasonal dishes like roast acorn squash with ancho lentils, steamed kale, goat cheese and house-smoked almonds.

The clean-lined interior design was created with balance in mind — light and airy for breakfast and lunch, yet modern and charming for evening dining. Cozy, earthy colors such as amber, sage, rust, and browns complement the historic architecture of the Edgewater neighborhood, while more than 100 linear feet of floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the natural light. The large patio will feature custom landscaping and comfortable, separate seating areas to welcome both guests — and their pets!

The newly minted event space, which features its own private patio, can accommodate special occasions for any size group up to 80. They also offer custom pre fixe and buffet style menus.

At Nookies Edgewater, strollers and hipsters can sit side by side to enjoy a comforting — sometimes eclectic, always affordable — meal any time of the day. “Providing a sense of home is how we show our love to the community. We want you to come in for dinner but also come back for our famous brunch. Though we have a new face, we welcome our customers whether they are in their Sunday best or in sweat pants!” ” notes Mitsoglou.

About Nookies
Nookies has been one of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhood diners since 1973. Started by two former restaurant servers, Spiros Alexopoulos and Ralph Fisher, the first small restaurant opened as a breakfast, deli and ice cream parlor. Nookies (the name is derived from “breakfast nook”) opened its doors on Wells Street in Old Town, its same location today, with less than 40 seats and newspaper clippings covering the walls for décor. In 1982, they expanded the concept into Lincoln Park and, in 1985, Spiro’s two sons, Nick and Peter, opened the third location in Lakeview, (which has since become the flagship of the Nookies’ family of restaurants). In 1992, Nick and Peter asked Michael Mitsoglou, a family friend who shares the same passion for the restaurant business, to partner with them in continuing the tradition. The restaurant has recently added a fourth location in Edgewater. Nookies’ daytime menu offers an award-winning brunch, 35 hearty, delicious sandwiches, and crisp, entrée salads. Dinner choices include wholesome favorites, international classics, creative chef’s selections and daily specials. Through the years, Nookies has remained true to their original mission — to serve their community by offering fresh, seasonal comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

###