A brand new restaurant called Maypole is making its debut in Wheaton, located at 121 W Front St.
This is the latest venture from Mike Melazzo and Chad Hauge, the minds behind Common Good Cocktail House and the upcoming Subourbon, a members-only craft cocktail lounge, according to the Daily Herald. A representative from the company tells What Now Chicago that the new 100-seat restaurant and bar is expected to open at the end of April 2023. Maypole will move into the former home of Emmett’s Brewing Company, of the oldest buildings in downtown Wheaton. Subourbon is expected to open in about three weeks.
Melazzo and Hauge, who sharpened their skills as beverage directors of Mott St. and Longman & Eagle, have enlisted Chef Bridget Vanaman, who also worked at Mott St., to oversee culinary operations. Customers can expect a menu that features “international flavors through the lens of classic American comfort food,” according to Melazzo, citing kimchi mac and cheese as an example. While Maypole’s food will be the main focus, the restaurant’s alcohol program is expected to be as impressive. The restaurant was recently awarded a liquor license from the city council.
“We reached out to [the] chef and said the only way we’ll do a restaurant is if we have the right leader involved, and that was her,” Melazzo recently told Wheaton liquor commissioners, referring to chef Vanaman. “And we reached out, and we were blown away when she said, ‘I would love to come to the suburbs. I would love to come to Wheaton and do a restaurant for you guys.'”
