Whew! What a year! Big Jones turns one on April 8, 2009. A year ago, there were already murmurs and rumblings about the unwinding of the economy, but even then, we had no idea that 2008 would turn out to be such a fateful year for the American economy, and the restaurant business in Chicago.
It takes tough skin to be in the restaurant business even in the best of times. After our greatly successful opening, we, like almost every other operator in Chicago, have had to dig in and get leaner. All the while, we know that we’ve become a better restaurant, continue to listen and learn every day, and will only get better in the future.
We want to extend a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us in this first year, by dining with us, sharing your thoughts, telling your friends about us, even complaining to us when you knew we needed to hear it. I joke with occasional unhappy customer that I must be the only restaurant owner in Chicago who likes to hear complaints. Everyone loves compliments, but complaints are different. They can hurt. But, after a while (and I’ve been doing this for twenty-odd years!) I’ve learned that the person who takes the time to complain to me is doing me a favor. Because I love to hear complaints, in fact, actively seek them, we get fewer and fewer complaints all the time. That’s how we learn, and know where we need to improve. The compliments are always appreciated, constant, and, of course, welcome. THANK YOU to everyone who takes the time to let us know what you think!
We went from here
to here in a few month’s time
We took a trip to see our chickens
I was there that first night one year ago and returned a year later. I have been back three times in two weeks. Your food is fantastic, a unique experience. My joy is Fried chicken Night, though tonight I was treated to the new fixed menu: $25 for a venerable feast!! And the cocktails… everything is so original and the flavors are fantastic. I am on Team Big Jones forever! See ya in a few days.