Business & Tech
Business Spotlight: Fodrak's
Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses.
Editor's Note: Welcome to Business Spotlight! We will regularly post profiles submitted by local businesses. To include your business in our Business Spotlight series, visit this link and complete the form. Enjoy!
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Business: Fodrak's
Submitted by: Betty Nicholas, on behalf of Owner Jim Lappas
Location: 327 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
Contact: 847-816-8111 or email jim@fodraks.com
Website: www.fodraks.com
Facebook page: Facebook.com/Fodraks
When and how did your business get started? Jim Lappas opened his restaurant on Dec. 7, 1987. He celebrated his 26th anniversary this month on Dec. 7, 2013. He decided to keep the name Fodrak’s, which had opened at 327 S. Milwaukee Ave. in 1984.
Why did you choose to open your business in Libertyville? Lappas picked Libertyville because in 1987 it was a quiet place in the country, different from Hyde Park in Chicago where he had operated restaurants for eight years.
What is your business best known for? Fodrak’s Gyros is very well-known. It has won six awards from the Pioneer Press, plus the 2012 and 2013 Daily Herald Readers Choice Awards for Best Gyros in Lake County. Fodrak’s is often asked how their Gyros became such a favorite. One reason is the meat is always fresh. They sell a lot. Another is the Tzatziki Sauce. The restaurant prepares its own.
What products or services are most popular? In addition to Gyros, the most popular menu items include Barbequed Baby Back Ribs, Greek Baked Chicken, Black Angus Burgers, Pulled Pork, Vienna Beef Hot Dogs and salads made 100 percent with Romaine lettuce. They also feature fresh banana milkshakes, homemade Baklava and Italian Ice. Fodrak’s offers dine-in and carry-out service as well as catering for corporate and private events.
What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know? Before this location was called Fodrak’s it was one of the Yankee Doodle Dandy burger restaurants. The catering business started soon after opening due to the auto dealers along Milwaukee Avenue who bought lunch for their employees on Saturday, their busiest day.
Does your business offer a special deals card or program? Fodrak’s has an ongoing Facebook Fan of the Day program which awards a Fan selected at random from those who have “liked” Fodrak’s on their Facebook page with a complimentary meal if they come in that day. Fodrak’s also offers coupons through their basic website www.fodraks.com or their promotions site www.fodrakspromotions.com.
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