For over 25 years East Cobbers have made Chicago’s their special celebration destination. But new owners Mark Zwolak and his son Connor Murray are shaking up the East Cobb dining scene to spread the word that there is a plethora of new reasons for foodies to check in and check out the “New” Chicago’s, coming full circle back to its roots.
Beloved classic dishes that have made the restaurant the eatery of choice will most likely remain on the menu and Mondays will highlight rotating classic dishes guests came to love such as tenderloin beeftips. They will be introducing a Taco Tuesday night, Wednesdays are Ladies night with $5 martinis and on Thursdays, the fun explodes with trivia night in the SpeakEasy Lounge. Also new is an expanded appetizer menu at the bar, including beer cheese and pretzels and craft beers, many from local brewers. The restaurant leadership takes great pride in sourcing produce from local growers and using seasonal fruits and vegetables for signature dishes and homemade desserts.
Mark, an East Cobb native and Lassiter High School graduate is also a UGA alum with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration, later receiving an M.B.A. from KSU, focusing on Entrepreneurship. He put himself through college by working in Athens at local restaurants, including De Palma’s Italian Café and even before graduating, was charged with opening its second location. “I managed Houston’s in Atlanta, the renowned Magnolia’s in Charleston then
took a different turn, working in corporate finance for many years internationally and in the South West USA. I was drawn back to my home town in Georgia and my first passion, food. Acquiring Chicago’s was the perfect synergy—we are both getting back to our roots.”
Chicago’s Manager Ben Petway has compiled a team of professional servers and chefs that share the same enthusiasm the new owners do. Ben and Mark are truly hands on, personally checking on guests table side and jumping into the kitchen as needed.
Spencer Vinson, a life-long Cobb resident, started at Chicago’s as a Line Cook, then Sous Chef but his culinary talents could not be ignored and he was promoted to Executive Chef by the new owners. His cooking career started interestingly as a submarine Chef for the Navy and after returning to dry land, he worked at other local fine dining establishments. Spencer felt completely at home with the evolving concept at Chicago’s. “I know this kitchen like the back of my hand. I know what our long-time clientele craves but am excited to experiment with new dishes and flavors for our guests.” states Vinson.
The other half of the father and son team, Connor, recently graduated from UGA’s Terry School of Business with a degree in Finance. When pushed to vote for his favorite item at Chicago’s, he steered away from food for a moment and voted for the classic chalkboard on the wall, an internal “Yelp” review of sorts for customers to recommend dishes they have really loved. “It is a stellar way for us to get direct feedback about what we are doing right and encourages other guests to take a chance on ordering something they may not ordinarily eat.”
Chicago’s Steak and Seafood is located at 4401 Shallowford Road, Roswell, 30075. Hours are Sunday-Monday: 5-9pm; Tuesday-Thursday: 5-10pm; Friday-Saturday: 5-11pm. Chicago’s also offers early dining service Sunday-Thursday, 5-6:30pm.
For more information, visit www.chicagosrestaurant.com or FB/Instagram: @ChicagosEastCobb.
This article originally appeared on page 37 of the August EAST COBBER.
