The mastermind behind the fast-growing Chicago Ramen restaurants is getting ready to launch Chicago Ramen Wheeling at 743 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The newest addition to Wheeling’s Restaurant Row will be moving into the former home of a 1,300-square-foot Subway, conveniently located in front of the Westin Chicago North Shore hotel. Owner Kenta Ikehata tells What Now Chicago he expects to open this restaurant in early 2023, possibly at the end of January or February. This will be Ikehata’s fourth restaurant, following Chicago Ramen, Chicago Sushi, and Chicago Ramen Lab, the last opening in late October in Rolling Meadows.
Before the restaurant can open, Ikehata is expected to renovate the space to include new booths, a new walk-in cooler, and new signs, according to documents submitted by the company. While the total work cost is around $101,800, Ikehata could receive roughly $49,482 in municipal grants from the village’s Restaurant and Retail Build-Out Assistance program if approved. This program allows business owners to get reimbursed for up to half a project’s cost.
This is just the beginning for Wheeling, which is expected to open a handful of yet-to-be-known restaurants, according to Village President Pat Horcher. He tells the Daily Herald he thinks Chicago Ramen Wheeling’s pending arrival is “a great commentary on the work Wheeling is doing to attract restaurants.” The new restaurant will also sit across the street from the newly opened District Brew Yards.
