Frankfort, Illinois, is on the cusp of welcoming a unique and highly anticipated dining experience with the proposed Dancing Marlin restaurant. Local businessman Tom Kara, a familiar face in Frankfort, shared exciting details about this venture, poised to bring a fresh and innovative culinary concept to the village. As Frankfort Patch recently reported, the Frankfort Village Board of Trustees is set to vote on crucial permits for Dancing Marlin, including liquor and outdoor seating, at their upcoming meeting on December 17th. The proposed location for Dancing Marlin is 20590 La Grange Road, a site previously occupied by Torre’s and Dino Anthony’s restaurants.
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What to Expect from Dancing Marlin in Frankfort, IL
In a recent interview, Tom Kara provided insights into what Dancing Marlin aims to offer the Frankfort community and beyond. Kara emphasized that while seafood and fresh fish will be a significant part of the menu, constituting approximately 30%, the restaurant will offer a much broader and more distinctive culinary experience. He highlighted the inclusion of “unique” and “innovative” dishes that are not readily available in the local dining scene. This suggests that Dancing Marlin is not just another seafood restaurant; it’s envisioned as a destination for those seeking a more adventurous and refined palate.
A Dining Destination Beyond Frankfort
When questioned about the target market, Kara indicated that Dancing Marlin’s ambition extends beyond the immediate Frankfort area. He expressed confidence that the restaurant will become a “destination” capable of attracting diners from a radius of up to 25 miles. This suggests a belief that the unique concept and quality of Dancing Marlin will resonate with a wider audience in the Southland region, establishing it as a culinary draw.
Experience and Vision Behind Dancing Marlin
Kara brings a solid business background to this new restaurant venture. He and his wife are the owners of Chew on This Dog Barkery, a business established in Frankfort for nine years. Furthermore, Kara’s involvement as a director on the chamber board demonstrates his commitment to the Frankfort business community and his understanding of the local market. This experience provides a strong foundation for navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry and building a successful establishment in Frankfort.
Differentiating for Success in Frankfort
Acknowledging the location’s history with previous restaurants that did not succeed, Kara addressed the critical question of Dancing Marlin’s potential for longevity. He attributed past failures to a lack of differentiation, noting that previous establishments offered menus that were “abundantly available every block” and failed to “stand out.” Kara firmly believes that Dancing Marlin will break this pattern by offering a distinctive “look and feel,” a transformed building ambiance, and, most importantly, a unique menu and service proposition. He dismissed the location itself as a factor in previous failures, emphasizing that Dancing Marlin’s unique concept is the key to its anticipated success in Frankfort.
The arrival of Dancing Marlin in Frankfort, IL, promises to inject a new level of excitement and culinary diversity into the local dining scene. With its focus on unique dishes, broader appeal, and experienced leadership, Dancing Marlin is poised to become a sought-after dining destination for Frankfort and the surrounding communities.
