Evanston’s Zoning Board of Appeals Tuesday recommended City Council approval of plans for Falcon Eddy’s Barbeque restaurant in the former Yahala Inn space at 825 Church St.
Co-owner James Pomerantz, who’s also an owner of Bat 17 around the corner on Benson Avenue, told the board that the restaurant will offer counter service with seating for about 48 people, but that he expects to do a substantial carry-out business along with deliveries through GrubHub.
Asked how many employees would be on site, Pomerantz said “as few as possible” — but said there’d probably be one counter person, three cooks and a dishwasher on duty for a typical shift.
He said any employees who drive to work would be expected to park in one of the city’s downtown garages and that deliveries of supplies for the restaurant would be through the alley.
Signs in the window at 825 Church.
He said the site is well equipped — that the landlord “put about $600 grand into the kitchen” when it was remodeled for Yahala after Dixie Kitchen, the long-time occupant of the space, closed.
He plans to serve Texas dry-rub meats including brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage and pork — “simple foods,” he said, and operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weeknights, and until 10 p.m. on weekends.
The restaurant won’t have a bar, but will offer “some cool beers from Texas and out west.”
ZBA member Scott Gingold said it “seems like a great project” making use of a vacant space and operated by a local owner who’s been successful over the years.
The special use application now goes to the City Council for final approval.