It’s been more than just a pivot for Addison’s, but they are open

Jeff Green | Jul 07, 2021

If it had been just a matter of a COVID pivot, Melissa Evans of Addison’s Restaurant in Northbrook, would have been happy.

Addison’s have been open since 2009, and has a loyal following from locals, seasonal residents and tourist alike, but COVID has been tough

A few other factors have made the last 15 months seem more like a set of somersaults on swivel chair.

One of the extra complications she has faced was the enclosed patio at the restaurant, which is not considered a patio. Then a tree fell on the restaurant during the brief period last fall when she was able to be open, forcing the restaurant to close entirely for much of the winter.

“I started doing take-out in the spring on special occasions, and then Friday and Saturday nights, just to stay sane,” she said.

A new, outdoor patio was constructed, a project that was complicated by skyrocketing material costs and delayed delivery times. Finally, just before Canada Day, the patio opened and Addison’s is able to serve customers in person, weather permitting.

“We still don’t have all the furniture, however” she said. “It was ordered in the winter, and we are not 100% finished the patio because we are still waiting on the door.”

Using furniture from the restaurant, the patio is open and ever since the restaurant opened the customers have been flocking back, and the takeout business continues to be strong.

“It certainly is nice to serve customers,” said Melissa “even if we don’t have all of the staff that we need just yet.”

Melissa and her son Addison (for whom the restaurant was named) are the only cooks on staff at the moment, and they could use more servers as well.

The menu at Addison’s was overhauled just before COVID arrived, and the it is being well received.

For now, Melissa has not changed the pre-COVID prices, but food costs are up in the wake of the pandemic and will eventually result in price increases everywhere.

“I’m happy to be open, hoping that this time we will stay open and eventually get to open inside and outside. I don’t think I could handle another shut down, especially another long one,” she said.

“If it wasn’t for some of the government programs, it would have been worse,” she said.

She has received wage subsidy, is employing summer students, and has received grant money as well, including $15,000 towards patio construction.

Addison’s is now open 7 days a week. Monday to Friday from 11am -7pm, and weekends from 9:30am-7pm