Village Board approves redevelopment agreement with Ballyhoo Hospitality for second Downtown Glenview restaurant

The Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved various agreements with Ballyhoo Hospitality, which will facilitate Ballyhoo’s purchase of property at 1822-1826 Glenview Road in Downtown Glenview and lead to the construction of their second new restaurant in the Downtown District.

Ballyhoo Hospitality is one of the region’s premier restaurant groups and currently owns and operates restaurants throughout Chicago and the North Shore, including the Wilmette and Lake Forest Sophia Steak locations, Pomeroy in Winnetka, and Buck Russell’s and Pizza by Sal in Wilmette. Ballyhoo is also beginning construction on its first Glenview restaurant, Jackman & Co., at 1739 Glenview Road adjacent to the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Like Jackman, this new Ballyhoo restaurant will be located at one of the “spark sites” identified for future development when the Village adopted its Downtown Strategic Plan in August 2021, which followed a 10-month Glenview Connect process to gather resident feedback on future economic development in the community.

“It really feels like we’re hitting a critical mass in the revitalization of Downtown Glenview,” Village President Mike Jenny said. “Ballyhoo is one of the most exciting restaurant groups in the industry and will help us bring the vibrancy and experience we want for our Downtown.”

The new restaurant, Zenzi Den, is a brand-new concept from Ballyhoo. The restaurant spans multiple storefronts and brings a lively yet casual atmosphere with Japanese influences. The space will be thoughtfully designed to incorporate natural textures, creating an inviting dining experience. The menu will include a range of traditional and contemporary dishes – from fresh sushi and sashimi to flavorful potstickers and unique small plates. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Village of Glenview on a second restaurant concept and be part of the ongoing effort to revitalize the community’s Downtown District,” said Ryan O’Donnell, Founder and CEO of Ballyhoo Hospitality. “We hope this restaurant is not only a gathering place for local and visiting diners, but will also spur additional interest in the Downtown from retailers, restaurants and commercial property owners.”

The Village and Ballyhoo have entered into a series of agreements, including economic development grants and loan assistance, enabling Ballyhoo’s purchase of the property and redevelopment of the tenant space into a new restaurant. After repayment of the loans and the estimated nearly $1 million in sales tax revenue over the next 10 years, the true net investment cost to the Village is roughly $150,000.

Ballyhoo anticipates the opening of Zenzi Den in 2025.

“This is a big investment with an even bigger return for Glenview,” Jenny said. “Not only does this new development address the feedback we’ve heard from residents for high-quality restaurants in the Downtown, it’s also in keeping with our commitment to fiscal stewardship and responsible development.”