Jameson’s Original Charhouse Opens in Countryside

Located along Historic Route 66, the fully renovated Holiday Inn Countryside recently bolstered its offerings with the opening of Jameson’s Original Charhouse.

The restaurant debuted January 25th for take-out, expanded to dine-in service on February 1st, and capped its launch with a February 5th ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a variety of local business and civic leaders.

The coronavirus pandemic slowed the restaurant’s opening, which had initially been planned for two months earlier.

“The pandemic will pass and when it does, we are ready for Jameson’s to be the premier steakhouse in Countryside,” says Kimberley Nosko, the Holiday Inn Countryside general manager who is also overseeing the restaurant addition and launch. “It has been wonderful to see how people throughout the area have already embraced us.”

With the pandemic altering just about every facet of daily life, the hotel and attached restaurant at 6201 Joliet Road are the south suburban solution to the “new normal.” They are ideal for stay-cations, mid-week leisure getaways, and schooling-from-anywhere opportunities.

“The weekends are no longer just Saturday and Sunday. We welcome guests seven days a week as the weekends are whenever you want to make it,” Nosko explains.

The hotel is conveniently located near I-55 and I-294, a relatively short drive from dozens of communities throughout the region.

“The hotel provides a retreat from the everyday monotony so many are suffering from,” says Nosko. “We offer not only a beautiful, relaxed setting, but have strict pandemic-safety measures, adhering to CDC guidelines, that provide peace of mind.”

Jameson’s is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Initially, Jameson’s is employing over 20 people, and that figure should climb to upwards of 50 or more.

From its original location in Mount Prospect, Jameson’s market stature has grown over 30 years to cover seven locations throughout the Chicago suburbs and two in South Carolina. The closest location is Woodridge, and the Countryside site is the southern-most Jameson’s in the Chicago area.

Carrying on Jameson’s tradition of fresh food prepared entirely on-site, offerings include hand-trimmed steaks, chops, fresh fish, and homemade soups.

Chef Phil Siciliano, Executive Chef of Jameson’s, brings a customer-centric passion honed over 35 years of industry experience. His background includes upscale restaurant ownership, a sought-after catering business and mentoring the next generation as a college culinary instructor.

Jameson’s General Manager Eric Lewchenko brings five years of Jameson’s experience working at various locations throughout the suburbs. “I am very excited to introduce Countryside to the Jameson’s experience,” says Lewchenko. “Aside from the great food and service we have been offering our guests for over 30 years, we are introducing a beverage program for wine and whiskey lovers alike.”

Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott applauds the restaurant’s arrival on the area dining scene, calling it a “bona fide destination.”

“We are thrilled to have Jameson’s in our community. We always want to increase our dining options, and there is a strong demand for higher-end restaurants,” says McDermott. “We want to give our residents more reason to dine locally, while also attracting diners from our surrounding communities.”

Jameson’s fills a longstanding void in the area’s restaurant options, agrees Countryside Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maureen Blaber.

“We are super-excited,” Blaber said. “With so many fast-casual and fast-food options in the area, Jameson’s definitely fills a missing but desired niche. For a nice night out, it is going to be a go-to spot, for sure.”

Since its inception in 1974, the hotel has been the venue for countless milestones and other memories, including weddings, anniversary celebrations, organizational banquets, and graduation parties.

“Many community members share their fond memories that are bound up in this special place,” says Nosko. “We are excited to pay homage to that past, while also helping create a whole new generation of memories in a vibrant, transformed venue.”

That transformation has come after the hotels was purchased the 2015 and, two years later, embarked on a series of extensive upgrades. Those improvements reflect a multimillion-dollar investment and include:

*All 180 guestrooms have been completely remodeled from floor to ceiling including new: modern furnishings, bedding, 43-inch flat panels, individual heat and air conditioning units, flooring, and an entirely updated bathroom with glass showers

*The hotel’s meeting and banquet facilities have updated wallcoverings and carpeting that offer a revitalized appearance.

*Updating and upgrading more than 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space, capable of hosting events ranging from small, intimate gatherings to large social banquets.

*A refurbished Olympic-sized pool and recreation area. Soon to be opened, the pool is one of the largest among Illinois hotels.

The sprawling property also features a unique Atrium Ballroom with dramatic vaulted ceilings, skylights, three charming brick fireplaces and spacious outdoor patios that are part of a large courtyard.

Jameson’s Original Charhouse is offering a complimentary $25 gift card with every $100 gift card purchase. The special offer is available through June 2021. For dine-in customers, reservations are required due to the current state-mandated capacity limit.

To make your reservation, visit www.jamesonscs.com, go to Open Table, or call the restaurant at 708-310-7922.