Chuck Lager America's Tavern Ready To Open In Orland Park

ORLAND PARK, IL — A highly anticipated addition to Orland Park's dining scene is set to open its doors next week. Chuck Lager America's Tavern will be open to the public as of Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Co-created by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, the restaurant opens in the space formerly occupied by Granite City Food & Brewery, which shuttered in 2019. Viviani backs the new restaurant as founder and CEO.

The restaurant's concept "is centered around the idea that life’s best stories take shape over delicious food and a couple of drinks," according to a release.

Viviani and co-founders Chuck Lager, Craig Colby and Michael Colby announced their arrival in Orland Park in 2021, and moved quickly to get the new space up and running. The suspense has been building, and some have planned ahead, with 700 reservations already in the books.

"Chuck Lager is one of our more fun concepts that takes the tavern causal environment experience and elevates it a little by combining well-thought bar food with a fun, upbeat atmosphere," Viviani said previously, as reported by Patch. "We are very happy to be in this city."

The location — 14035 S. LaGrange Road — is in the heart of downtown Orland Park. The menu promises "decidedly American" food, but with "unexpected, elevated ingredients and a sprinkling of international influence, thanks to Chef Fabio Viviani."

Viviani is a best-selling cookbook author and TV host. In 2005, he moved from Florence, Italy to the United States to expand his horizons within the hospitality industry. In 2008, he appeared on the reality television competition series "Top Chef," where he was voted "Fan Favorite." He later returned to the Bravo network to compete on "Top Chef: All Stars."

Since arriving in the country, Fabio has opened over 30 different restaurants, bars and event spaces around the country.

Viviani has some tried and true fan favorites lined up for the debut, including signature dishes like the Mt. Kilimanjaro Burger (double premium beef patty, beer cheese, thick-cut bacon, caramelized onions, arugula and garlic aioli) and the Tuna Poke Nachos (crispy wontons, tuna, cusabi, Teriyaki, avocado, scallions, pickled jalapenos, sesame seeds).

The beverage menu features craft cocktails, bourbons and whiskeys, rounded out by wines and draft beers.

Those interested in getting a sneak peek of the restaurant are invited to join Viviani, Chuck Lager and the rest of the team for a preview event that will include complimentary light bites on Monday, Oct. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.

"I'm going to see you guys here," Viviani announced on the restaurant's Facebook page. "Bring your appetite! I can't wait for you to try it!"

The restaurant will at first open nightly for Happy Hour at 4 p.m., with expanded hours to come. For more information, check out the Chuck Lager website. Reservations can be made online.