HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park officials announced plans for three culinary concepts in the Ravinia District, with Bean Bar + MEZE and EATACO slated to open on Roger Williams Avenue in 2027.
The projects involve two sites at 565 and 597 Roger Williams Ave. and are tied to the city's business incentive programs, according to the announcement.
The concepts will be owned and operated by Serah and Kadir Cicek, who has more than 20 years of hospitality and operational leadership experience. The city said it worked with the property and business owners through available business incentive programs to support redevelopment of the two sites.
"The Ravinia District has long been known for its unique blend of local businesses, culture and community, and the addition of Bean Bar + MEZE and EATACO reflects the continued momentum we're seeing throughout the District," Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said. "As we welcome new investment and entrepreneurs who share our vision, we're creating an even stronger destination where people can shop, dine, connect and experience all that the Ravinia District, and Highland Park as a whole, has to offer from morning through evening."
Serah and Kadir Cicek said the new businesses are being designed as community spaces for students, local professionals and families.
"We're excited to bring Bean Bar + MEZE and EATACO to the Ravinia District and become part of such a vibrant and historic community," Serah and Kadir Cicek said. "After more than 20 years in hospitality, we believe the best concepts are about more than great food and drinks - they're about creating experiences that bring people together. Our goal is to offer welcoming destinations that add to the energy of the District and give residents and visitors places they'll return to throughout the day and into the evening."
At 565 Roger Williams Ave., Bean Bar + MEZE is planned as a $1.75 million dual-concept redevelopment of a long-vacant dry cleaner space, with a spring/summer 2027 opening. Bean Bar will operate as a cafe by day, with breakfast and lunch items including smoothies, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads, with a focus on fresh, gluten-free options. In the evening, the space would shift to MEZE, with dinner service, cocktails, indoor dining, patio seating and a covered pergola for year-round service.
At 597 Roger Williams Ave., EATACO is planned for a winter 2027 opening. The fast-casual taqueria is expanding from Northbrook after seven years serving the North Shore. The approximately 1,600-square-foot restaurant is expected to offer fusion tacos, fresh-made sides, craft beer, wine, grab-and-go beverages and margaritas-to-go.
More information about Ravinia District businesses is available at www.enjoyhighlandpark.com/ravinia-district.
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