Morse Avenue Grill(ed) to Perfection

I first met Eddie Ishoo around eight years ago, during the height of the real estate boom.

At the time I was President of the Rogers Park Builders Group, and the organization was attracting a lot of new blood – including ambitious developers doing small to mid sized projects in our neighborhood.

Of all of the developers, Eddie seemed to possess special traits – sporting a kind of intensity and passion that seemed rare. Eddie was always proud of his developments – and though, like all developers, he was driven by profit, he also seemed specially committed to delivering quality product.

Over drinks after meetings, Eddie often departed from talk about real estate, and he would speak proudly of his young family. In time, I learned that his stocky and firm build came about as a result of him being a master at martial arts – he is also a former marine.

I learned that Eddie is not someone with whom anyone would want to mess (which explains why I am careful when I tease him about his new billy goat beard.)

The recession impacted Eddie in much the same way as it has impacted other local developers.

During the early months of the recession, in 2008 and 09, I used to see Eddie hanging out at a new fast food restaurant on Morse called the Grill Inn. In time, Eddie told me a secret – he was going to take over the restaurant.

I am not sure exactly when it was that Eddie assumed ownership of the Grill Inn– perhaps a year to eighteen months – but what has happened over at this restaurant is clearly worth noting.

You see, Eddie is a Type A – no, call it Type AA person.  He is focused, success oriented, and likeable.  Using the same degree of passion and focus that he put into his developments, Eddie now devotes himself fully to this restaurant.  The transformation is remarkable.

Eddie has zeroed in on every aspect of this restaurant – its décor, the food, the presentation of the menu,—- everything, including a single flower on each of his tables. His strategy is that if he is fully committed to quality, cleanliness, and superior service, that his restaurant is bound to succeed.

The Grill Inn is no longer a fast food restaurant.  (No menu displays on the wall. You must order off of an individual menu.) Try any item – from his breakfast sandwiches (I have yet to try one yet, but others rave about them), to chicken kabobs, to his burgers and fries. Eddie’s commitment to excellence is readily apparent.

Talk to Eddie about his restaurant and you’ll hear a person with heart and drive and a zealous desire to succeed. Hear the excitement in his voice as he describes the outdoor seating he will have this summer. He is enthused about his new liquor license, allowing his patrons to enjoy a beer or wine with their meal. Eddie proudly describes customers who drive from miles away simply to eat his food. He does an active home delivery business – hear him describe his commitment to delivering his meals hot and fresh.

Thus far, it seems that Eddie’s theory about running a business in Rogers Park is proving true: that residents and visitors will support a place delivering a quality product in a pleasant atmosphere charging a fair price.

Please check out the Grill Inn 1422 West Morse.  Order on line, or call (773) 465-8080.

Of course, your best bet is to go there in person, speak with Eddie and meet a special person.

You will be impressed.

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