It started with a stroke of luck, a closed restaurant and an idea. 

As Jen and Josh Hullett drove down 171st Street in Tinley Park, they noticed a longtime greasy spoon called Jr’s Hot Dogs had closed. Jen, a lifelong...

Blues music plays over the sound system, as Birmingham, Alabama native Brent Brashier discusses his emotional attachment to Southern-style barbecue at Doc’s Smokehouse and Craft Beer in Mokena. 

“Everything on this...

Salim Bal knows his sandwiches are not typical Philly cheesesteaks.

“I took over a restaurant that was going under,” Bal said. “They were making Philly steaks, and I thought I could make them better. I changed the menu...