We’re Open: Leland Eating and Drinking House

A Prospect Heights man wasn’t sure his dream of owning his own restaurant was going to pan out.

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2021, 1:42 PM

Updated 1,170 days ago

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A Prospect Heights man wasn’t sure his dream of owning his own restaurant was going to pan out. 
Randi Lee has worked in the restaurant industry for decades and has always dreamed of owning his own restaurant.
But immediately after signing his lease in February of last year, the pandemic hit and his contractors got stuck in Canada.
 "There were two reactions the first one was, ‘what am I going to do?’ …’should we get out of the lease?... ‘should we just hide?’ and the second one was the next day we picked up our pieces and we said we are going to build this restaurant,” said Lee. 
Unfortunately, after being open for three days, indoor dining was shut down but he says his team adapted -- making sure their New York Mediterranean dishes are just as delicious to go.
"We quickly pivoted. It's the food that we have tested where you can take it home 20-30 minutes later and it tastes just as good as it comes out fresh on the table,” said Lee. 
Outside the restaurant, they have two private cabins. They have heaters and blankets so that customers stay warm.
It's a new and unique spot that's clearly not letting anything bring it down.


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