Czech Plaza in Berwyn reopens under new ownership

BERWYN – A staple in Berwyn's rich history of ethnic restaurants is once again serving authentic Bohemian food after suddenly closing in January.

Czech Plaza Restaurant, which has been in business for more than 45 years, reopened in March under new ownership. Guests will enjoy some of the same Czech favorites, as well as some new dishes and menu specials.

The city of Berwyn and Berwyn Development Corp. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 29 to welcome Czech Plaza’s new owners, who will be familiar to many customers.

Monika Hubackova, who had worked at the restaurant as a waitress and manager for nearly 20 years, bought the restaurant with her family after the businesses’ previous owner shuttered its doors after owning it for only 18 months. Hubackova’s immediate predecessor bought the business in 2016 from the Drovda family, who ran the restaurant for more than 30 years before retiring.

The new owners spent the first few months of 2018 redecorating and renovating the restaurant. Some of the upgrades include new carpet, fresh paint, renovated bathrooms, new tablecloths and a kitchen addition.

Hubackova said she’s happy to bring the restaurant back to Berwyn because generations of families have fond memories of visiting the Cermak Road staple.

“People who’ve left Berwyn want to come here when they come back to visit. There aren’t too many Czech restaurants, and people still want this food,” she said. “It’s important for Berwyn to have a Czech restaurant. The children of the Bohemian immigrants who came to Berwyn want to come to our restaurant because it reminds them of their families. And they like the food here.”

Czech favorites like liver dumpling soup, potato pancakes, goulash, roasted duck, fruit dumplings and more are back on the menu, but Hubackova said there will be new specials offered every day. She said the restaurant’s cook uses authentic recipes to create new dishes. Also, guests can now enjoy real European-style coffee, which is a new addition to the menu.

“Our cook has been making Czech food for 30 years, and she makes original recipes," Hubackova said. "You can’t find this food anywhere else."

Amy Crowther, deputy executive director of the Berwyn Development Corp., said she is excited to see the restaurant reopen.

“I’m thrilled to see a Cermak Road mainstay like Czech Plaza continue to stand the test of time with their offerings of Eastern European delicacies,” she said in an email. “It’s a comfort food-driven family gathering spot that is a part of Berwyn’s heritage as a handcrafted community.”

Jousef Mondragon, interim executive director of the BDC, echoed Crowther’s sentiments. In an email, he said Berwyn’s culture is enriched by the restaurant.

“Czech Plaza has and will continue to be an iconic representation for Eastern European cuisine with international sensibilities and local flair,” he said.

Czech Plaza also is available to host banquets and private parties, and Hubackova is hoping more families will use the space for their special events. She said she’s also focused on encouraging younger families to visit the restaurant.

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If you go

WHAT: Czech Plaza Restaurant

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, closed Tuesday

WHERE: 7016 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn

INFO: czechplazaberwyn.com