Maple Tree Inn Owners Announce Grand Opening Friday

Famed restaurant Maple Tree Inn will raise the curtain to the public in Homewood, Illinois Friday, February 7, 2020 after a series of soft openings streamlined operations for “the kind of exceptional dining experience our patrons have come to expect,” announced owners Katie and Erich Wennberg.

With the completed acquisition of The Cottage in Homewood behind them, the Maple Tree Inn owners strategically initiate a new era of serving award-winning Cajun and Creole cuisine.

“In addition to nearly a 100-percent staff retention, we also have brought on dozens of local hires, and we need to welcome and integrate those new young people into the Maple Tree culture,” said Katie Wennberg. “So far, the response has been exactly what we are looking for.”

A fire demolished the Maple Tree building on Olde Western Avenue in Blue Island, Illinois in August of 2018. By industry standards, the Maple Tree Inn has rebounded in a short time frame, roughly a year and a half.

“Dress rehearsal began with private gatherings of community leaders and restaurant industry people who have supported this remarkable and swift transition,” said Erich Wennberg. “Our long-term vision for success requires dedication and commitment, and we asked our guests to finish their dining experience with a questionnaire that required honesty and acute observations regarding our service.”

Aside from the surveys, the Wennbergs can point to the professionalism of their long-term staff to complement new local hires as an assurance they will “surpass the culinary excellence our long-time followers expect and our new patrons in Homewood will come to realize.”

Katie Wennberg credits hard work, sacrifice, and “a staff kept whole” as expediting the opening in Homewood, a town eager to help them find their footing.

“It’s just been a godsend for us to come to Homewood,” said Erich.

The Wennbergs called the dining experience at the Maple Tree Inn “polished casual” and announced plans to be open for dinner Wednesdays through Sundays with additional plans in coming months to serve a Sunday brunch. The restaurant has seating capacity for more 125 guests inside, plus more than 60 guests on their patio come spring. The on-site parking lot has more than 60 private parking spaces.

"Homewood has been very excited for the Maple Tree Inn to open its doors so we have a taste of the Big Easy in our backyard," said Mayor Richard Hofeld. "The world-class food of Maple Tree Inn fits perfectly into our community and complements the already wonderful restaurants and shops in the Homewood area."
Exiting Blue Island was bittersweet as community leaders explored all options and extended its efforts to retain the Olde Western anchor but, ultimately, Wennberg said: “controlling our destiny as a business with impeccable service and award-winning results was paramount to all else.”

Sunday, September 15, 2019 concluded a brief “interlude” in Maple Tree Inn’s history as the Bistro, a concept the Wennbergs used to empower its staff to control its own destiny by running a smaller restaurant at 13000 South Western from November of 2018 through September of 2019.

While the temporary location “was a big hit” by and large, it allowed workers to comfortably bridge salary and health benefits while keeping families in their same homes and kids in the same schools.

“Looking back now it all seems like a dream, but mostly it was a great plan to keep our team intact,” said Morgan Gansauer, manager. “We can’t wait to see our most loyal customers and meet our new ones.
“There’s something about creating a plan and having answers in the midst of disaster that brings a group closer together. Breaking up the band was never an option. We are excited to be aboard for this new venture in Homewood.”
“We are so proud to have exceeded even our own expectations with the Bistro,” said chef Mark Smith.
The same brief “Bistro era” allowed the Wennbergs to mull solutions and entertain offers even beyond Homewood. The couple recently purchased a home close to the Maple Tree Inn with a spacious yard for their dog that also survived the fire.

In the meantime, “clear and open communication” with staff has led to the Maple Tree Inn’s next iteration in “Home Sweet Homewood,” said Erich.

The Wennbergs have tidied up the exterior of the old Cottage and its large parking lot and have introduced glorious interior alterations befitting a Cajun/Creole destination restaurant. News of the great wooden bar will be addressed upon installation when the century old artifact is properly restored because “we need to honor the historical integrity of the bar.”

The business couple has met every self-imposed deadline since August of 2018. For now, a ribbon cutting date is being planned with Mayor Hofeld and village trustees Wednesday, February 12th.

“The challenge of maintaining a loyal following and sustaining award-winning standards in legendary New Orleans cuisine has taken commitment and sacrifice from a unique core group of professionals,” said Katie.

“Now is the most exciting time in the history of the Maple Tree Inn. Now, we have the honor of going from rebuild to rebirth.”

Reservations can be made calling 708/388-3461 or on line at: https://www.opentable.com/r/maple-tree-inn-reservations-homewood or www.mapletreeinnrestaurant.com
Hours of operation for dinner: Wednesday - Friday: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Saturday: 3:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m.; Sunday: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Located at 18849 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Illinois.