WAUKEGAN – Visit Papa Marcos Grill and Kabob in Waukegan and expect to be greeted on a first-name basis.
For Marlene Azzo, manager of Papa Marcos, welcoming customers goes beyond just taking an order.

"We want people to feel at home,” Azzo said.

Papa Marcos is owned by Azzo’s husband Michael Marcos and his brother Joe Marcos. The Lebanese/ American eatery opened its doors April 25 and serves a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items to satisfy both the Mediterranean and American palette.

Azzo took a few minutes with Lake County Journal reporter Cassandra Dowell May 29 to discuss what she looks forward to in the coming months and her family's move to Waukegan.

How did your family come about choosing Waukegan to open Papa Marcos? My husband used to visit  Waukegan and fell in love with it here. He noticed the Middle Eastern community, but no Middle Eastern restaurants or grocery stores. We moved from Des Plaines to Waukegan about a month ago.

Where are you originally from?
My husband and I were both born in Lebanon. But, I came to America when I was 4 and grew up in Chicago. [Michael moved to the United States at the age of 19 and is a U.S. military veteran. He returned from his last tour of service in Iraq in 2007].

What do you like to do when you're not working? [My husband and I] are both working all the time right now. So, we are keeping busy. When we're not working we're spending time with our 6-month-old son Sharbel [Marcos] and with our two dogs, Doosha and Puppy. My husband loves to design. We both love the arts, visiting museums and following the news.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? When we feel more comfortable, like we can take a little time off from the business, I'd like to explore Waukegan – the arts and music. Spend more time with our son.

622 Grand Ave., in Waukegan. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 224-656-5809