By Trent Modglin

Elia Café
90 N Northwest Hwy. in Park Ridge
Elia-Cafe.com

Background
Owners (and brothers) Billy and Taso Pyroulis are well versed in the hospitality industry. Billy spent time with Lettuce Entertain You and then served as GM at the acclaimed Roka Akor in Chicago for nine years. Taso earned his stripes at the breakfast favorite First Watch in Des Plaines, and Marriott prior to that. And their father owned Yanni’s Greek restaurant in Arlington Heights and Jasper’s in Glenview.

For Elia Café, Billy recruited Jake Lamey, his old chef at Roka Akor — who happened to have been raised in Park Ridge — to make the jump from a country club he was working at. “It was three minutes from his parents’ house, so it worked out pretty well,” Billy tells us with a laugh. “And it’s good to see him in the kitchen again.”

Inspiration
Following in the footsteps of their grandfather and father, the Pyroulis brothers have long wanted a restaurant to call their own. “We looked at about 20 different locations, and it was a little intimidating to know that two other breakfast spots had failed in this same location recently,” Billy says. “But we had a unique menu a lot of experience between us, and we were excited about the open concept that can convert into a private event space after 3 p.m.”

It’s not uncommon to see…
Lots of hugs and handshakes between the staff and customers at the door, and the Pyroulis family members make a habit coming around to meet their customers and check in on them while they dine.

“If you were at my house, I’d be doing the same thing,” Billy says. “It’s part of our culture to treat people like family. And I hate the idea that the owners shouldn’t roll up their sleeves. We’ve never believed in that.”

It’s part of our culture to treat people like family. And I hate the idea that the owners shouldn’t roll up their sleeves. We’ve never believed in that.”

The space
There’s no denying that Elia Café is very bright, airy and inviting. Huge windows overlooking Northwest Highway allow in a ton of natural light, and it’s a versatile space with three different dining areas, a bar and a pastry counter with muffins, croissants, cookies, Greek pastries and spanokopitas (spinach pies).

Menu
The menu is loaded with Mediterranean-inspired brunch selections, and there is something for everyone for sure. My family enjoyed the chocolate chip pancakes with bacon and fruit, the smoked salmon Benedict with crispy hash browns, and the village omelette with spinach and turkey sausage.

Lunch options like the chicken gyro bowl, wagyu smash burger and loaded Greek salad looked enticing, and don’t forget a creative coffee and cocktail list.

Local support
“Everybody in Park Ridge has been super supportive, greeting us with open arms, asking us if we need anything, and eager to try our menu. We’re very happy to have settled here.”

— Billy Pyroulis