As recent census data has indicated, St. Charles is growing, and with it, we’re seeing an increase in dining options. The latest addition, Ballyhoo Restaurant & Bar, is taking the space formerly occupied by Twister’s at 1048 Wolfrum Road, near Highway 94.
Owner Steve Surplus said that he and his business partner Mike McDonnell hope to bring “something different” to the area. In particular, they plan on bringing happy hour – which Surplus feels has fallen into demise of late – back to its rightful place. Thus Ballyhoo will not be open for lunch and instead will open daily (except Sundays) at 3:30 p.m., offering a rotating list of unique appetizers. The dinner menu, now in its final stages of development, will focus on American cuisine. Live music will also play a part in creating an energetic vibe at the 5,000-square-foot establishment.
Surplus and McDonnell have their eyes on an April 1 opening, though Surplus cautioned that it could be delayed by a week. Ballyhoo is the third restaurant-bar that Surplus has owned. At the age of 24, he opened St. Charles sports bar South 94 Bistro, and he later owned Stevie Ray’s Bar & Grill on Main Street in historic St. Charles.
For more information about Ballyhoo Restaurant and Bar, check it out on Facebook.
This article appears in March 2011.