Bourbon's Smokehouse Looks To Open In New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL — Bourbon's Smokehouse, a smoked BBQ restaurants, is looking to open in New Lenox. At Monday's meeting, the New Lenox Village Board held a first read for an ordinance which would create a liquor license for the new business.

"This is contingent on getting a lease for the old Mattina Cafe," Mayor Tim Baldermann said.

The business would be at 280 E. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox.

"We have been in business for about four years, doing primarily catering and events," owner Joe Rajuro said.

He said he and his wife, Tanya, fell in love with New Lenox and found an opportunity for their business at the old Mattina Cafe building.

"We're at the final negotiations...to finish our lease with the property owner," Joe said.

The restaurant will offer slow-smoked, authentic, BBQ, he said.

"We make everything crafted from scratch."

Tanya said the recipes have been tested on friends and family, and then they figured out how to cook for the masses through their catering and events.

"We wanted to create a daily experience for the residents of New Lenox," Joe said. "And be able to have a restaurant."

"We want to focus on family, and bringing everybody back to the table," Tanya said. The restaurant will be a "fast casual dining experience," she said.

The restaurant is hoping to open in mid-August.