New Restaurant Opening at Former Jimmy’s Place

Jimmy’s Place was the kind of restaurant many people in Arlington Heights remember from their youth, as an afterschool hangout or a place to grab a quick bite for 50 years.

Its closing in 2011 left a vacant building at the corner of Northwest Highway and Euclid Avenue and lots of memories.

But restaurant owners John and Angelina Fridono are hoping to create new memories at the location with the opening of their restaurant, Big Ang’s Eatery.

The Fridonos, and their son, Rocco, got a unanimous approval from the village board this week for a special use permit. The family requested Arlington Heights waive the required traffic and parking study and allow a reduction of the minimum number of required parking stalls from 17 to 9.

Big Ang’s Eatery will be a lot different than Jimmy’s. The Fridonos plan to renovate the exterior façade, replace the roof, add larger windows and install a new kitchen. The restaurant will also be handicap accessible and will have a deck with a cedar trellis for outdoor seating.

“There are many people who remember Jimmy’s,” Trustee Carol Blackwood said, adding it is a well-known landmark in town. “You’ve taken it up a level.”

Jimmy’s was well-known for its hot dogs.

Big Ang’s will have hot dogs, in addition to  specialties including meatball sandwiches, Italian beef, Italian sausage, hamburgers and chicken. The Fridonos hope to open by the summer.