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16 | November 21, 2018 | 22ND CENTURY MEDIA HOLIDAY GUIDE
22ndCenturyMedia.com
Chesdan’s maintains status as crowd-pleaser
Historic pizzeria
tantalizes taste buds
with assortment of
dishes
At Chesdan’s, the goal is to be
innovative in adding things to
the menu — but not to the point
where people feel uncomfortable
trying new dishes.
That is the mindset of Dan
Garr, who — along with his
brother Jim — owns the Homer
Glen pizzeria and grille. The dining
establishment was started in
Brighton Park by brothers Chester
and Dan Sr., who combined
their names in 1946. The business
quickly became popular for
its pizza and other cuisine.
Garr and his brother took over
running the restaurant in 1975,
and they moved it out to Homer
Glen in 2002 when they got the
first liquor license in a village
that was incorporated just the
year prior.
Though the brand has been a
success ever since, Garr does not
rest on his laurels.
“There are some core things
we always have here,” said Garr,
noting the pizzas with fresh ingredients
and many of the pasta
dishes. “But people’s tastes have
changed over the years in what
they are looking for.”
For those looking to stick with
tradition, getting a small, 10-inch
Original King Special pizza —
with thin crust, cheese, sausage,
mushroom, onion and green pepper
— is a viable option.
“That pizza has been one of
our specialties since 1946,” Garr
said. “We still make our own
sausage. It’s fresh, never frozen.
We grind our own cheese, and
I’m very particular about the
freshness of cheese.”
The owner points out there is
a delicate balance to be found in
the dairy.
“We get the cheese direct from
Wisconsin, and if it is too fresh,
it is very dry,” he said. “And if
it is too old, it is very oily. If it’s
not right, I reject the whole lot.”
Where the restaurant has
branched out in more recent
years is in adding things like
new pasta dishes and sandwiches,
such as the chicken margarita
sandwich — a grilled chicken
breast on a French bread bun that
is toasted and served with mozzarella
and Parmesan cheeses.
Menu items like these make for
a good lunch or quick bite, according
to the owner.
If in the mood for the pasta,
the Arabiatta di Manzo — which
also comes in a meta (or halfportion)
— gives the palate plenty
of flavor with its tender beef
red pepper flakes, garlic, red
onion, mushrooms, black olives
and fresh basil tossed over penne
noodles and finished with sliced
Parmesan cheese.
“I think people like the familyowned,
solid restaurant that has
friendly service,” Garr said.
Chesdan’s also attracts customers
by coming up with daily
specials. Between wine nights,
summer entertainment on the
Chesdan’s patio and other promotions,
there is plenty to experience
with each new visit to the
restaurant.
There also are treats all ages
can enjoy, like a hand-scooped,
made-with-whole-milk, creamy
Oreo milkshake in a 22-ounce
glass mug.
Altogether, Chesdan’s is proud
of its past, while still working
hard and tweaking things here
and there for an even better future.
“It is quite fulfilling,” said
Garr, of working at the restaurant
with many family members
and providing a combination of
excellence in ambiance and cuisine.
“I love it.”
Other dishes not to miss ...
Buffalo shrimp 10-piece —
Owner Dan Garr’s favorite
Chesdan’s appetizer on which
to snack, this dish consists of
breaded and butterflied shrimp
Please see CHESDAN’S, 48
Relax This Holiday Season With
Chesdan’s Catering
See our website for entire catering menu
and valuable coupons!
Gift
Certificates
available
for the
Holidays!
15764 S Bell Road Homer Glen, IL 60491 708.301.8300 ChesdansPizza.com