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📸 Credit: Fox Haven Square on Facebook
A new “scratch kitchen” and sports bar is opening at Fox Haven Square on Kirk Road, and the people behind are bringing experience from decades in some of Chicago's busiest kitchens.
Simple EJ's Kitchen & Tap opens May 9 at 300 N. Kirk Road in St. Charles, with sneak peek events planned for the first week of May. The restaurant comes from operator Erik Baylis and Chef Jim Heflin (known as Chef Hef), who bring 45 years of combined kitchen experience and deep roots in the Fox Valley.
Here's what to know:
Chicago pedigree, local address: Baylis and Heflin previously worked with Big Onion Hospitality Group, the Chicago outfit behind Fat Pour and Hopsmith. Pat Greco, whose family is developing Fox Haven Square, called them "unbelievable operators" during a recent Tri-Cities Live panel.
The screen: The centerpiece is a 22-foot LED wall that Greco said is the largest indoor screen west of Wrigleyville. "That'll be the place to go watch a Bears game or any other sporting events," Greco said. The space also features interactive darts in the back.
Homemade everything: The menu is built around items made in-house, from hand-smoked wings and smash burgers to a 24-ounce dry-brined Berkshire Tomahawk pork chop (that sounds crazy). They’ll also offer brunch.
Family time early, adults later: Kids eat free Monday through Friday from 4 to 6PM for members of “Charlie's Crew,” a $23.99/month family membership. The restaurant shifts to an adult-oriented atmosphere after 8PM, with a separate Founders Club membership ($14.99/month) geared toward 21-and-over guests with game-day perks and craft cocktails.
Simple EJ's is the first tenant to open at Fox Haven Square, with several more restaurants and retailers expected to follow throughout 2026.
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