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PLAINFIELD – Owners of the Shrimp Barn in Minooka will open a second restaurant in downtown Plainfield.
Shrimp Barn will open on Independence Day weekend in the former home of Lombardo's, Lazy Lizard and La Fiesta Mexicana on 24136 W. Lockport St.
Chef Robert Degen and his wife Susette are opening up the new seafood diner modeled on their restaurant in Minooka that opened in December 2011.
"We like little towns, historical buildings," said Degen. "When you walk in, you're no longer a customer. You're part of the family."
Shrimp Barn contains elements of Midwestern and Italian cuisine. Also, the interior of the restaurant will incorporate sports memorabilia, an old coin-operated jukebox and antiques that will be for sale.
"We try to keep everything as local as possible," Degen said. "When we were looking for our next location. We looked in Morris and Yorkville. We weren't thinking about Plainfield until we drove past the building. That's when you can tell it was meant to be."
RE/MAX Agent Mark Batinick said he received a lot of interest in the building, which has been vacant since La Fiesta Mexicana left in January. But he believes the right restaurant is moving in.
"I'm excited about the restaurant because we need a true seafood place," Batinick said.
Degen said the big draw for the restaurant will be the low prices for quality seafood meals and the variety available, as well as the customer service.
Uncommon items on the menu for the Minooka location include alligator, walleye, frog legs and Cajun catfish. The trick is Degen has three different fisheries bring in fresh seafood every Tuesday and Thursday.
The Shrimp Barn also will sell sandwiches, pasta, tacos and several craft beers.
"I understand how Plainfield is more high-end," Degen said, adding that he also may open up another Shrimp Barn location east of Joliet in a couple of years. "But in our place, they get relaxation. Especially on cold days, you come in and see the nice pastel oranges, blue-greens. We want you to feel comfortable."