Flossmoor Commons’ latest addition, Poppin Corks Bistro, celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 27.
Having been open since Oct. 6 at 3311 Vollmer Road in Flossmoor (as a soft opening to the public), first-time restaurant owners Randall Smith and Toya Smith, community members, family, and Mayor Michelle Nelson excitedly clipped the ribbon for guests to celebrate, mingle, and enjoy tacos, burgers, and other specials.
“We’re a restaurant. I want people to know that and to feel at home, enjoy the music, food, and entertainment, and relax,” said Toya Smith
The Bistro’s menu highlights American cuisine, offering burgers, steaks, tacos, shrimp and chicken wings, with mouthwatering sauces and dine-in weekly specials. With two cooks, one specializing in steaks and chops, the other chef trained in culinary art, and owner Toya Smith cooking, the three have fun making magic and collaborating on sauces and spices.
“I’m with them in the kitchen; we’re all doing this,” Toya Smith said. “This is what inspired me to do this. I love to cook.”
Weekly specials for patrons are Taco Tuesday nights, Burgers and Beer Wednesdays, Thursday’s chicken wings and football, and Fish Fry Fridays.
Toya Smith had an image for her family’s restaurant: “I enjoy cooking; it brings out the love I have for my family and community.
“We are used to gathering 60 or more people at a time for Thanksgiving and holidays. My family comes from out of town. I’m prepping days in advance, but I enjoy doing this best of all, cooking for people, it’s all love.”
Community members are already raving about the family’s restaurant.
“The food is delicious, and she cooks the steaks so well, don’t get me started on the chocolate desserts,” said Vivian Covington, CEO of Democratic Women of Southland Region.
“It’s a smooth place to dine here and bring your family –– I love what the Southland is bringing to us now (we) don’t have to go downtown for a nice steak dinner or leave our neighborhoods. We have something nice and professional,” added Covington.
Nelson added, “This is a gorgeous restaurant. I can’t wait to taste what you’ve created. Flossmoor residents love to eat, and so do I. We appreciate you.”
Catering and other services will be made available in the future.
“One thing at a time, seeing as how new our staff and I are, we’re taking walk-ins, reservations, and take-outs will be made available soon,” said Toya Smith.
Poppin Corks Bistro restaurant and operation hours are from Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m. -11 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more inquiries, call 708-991-7285, and stay current as the restaurant’s site will be up and ready to go.