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AROUND CHICAGO: THE SOUTHERN CAFÉ .... 9 CHEF PROFILES ............................ 13, 31 CHICAGOLAND NEWS ........................... 15 CLASSIFIEDS................................. 36-38 DINING WITH MS. X.............................. 4 DIRECTORY .................................. 33-35 NATIONAL NEWS ................................ 11 NUGGETS .......................................... 7 PEOPLE SELLING THE INDUSTRY ............... 6 TRAVEL: LEXINGTON, KY....................... 16 WELL PLATED.................................... 19
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Now with six locations, Casa Margarita’s Al and Chase Lotfi spell “success” with a zest for life, vibrant colors, imported Talavera pottery from Mexico, and the best Mexican cuisine. Al began his career in the restaurant industry starting from the bottom and working his way up until he eventually opened his first restaurant Al’s Char-House in downtown LaGrange in 1994. Four years later he would see his first Casa Margarita location open which is also situated in downtown LaGrange. With original and authentic recipes, using the freshest ingredients and a soon to be famous margarita recipe, Casa Margarita became a staple in LaGrange. The basis for his concept was simple; provide a fun and vibrant atmosphere with flavorful food and drinks and people will follow. And they did; The slogan “Where every day is a fiesta!” was born and it became synonymous with Casa Margarita to this day. With the success of the first location, Casa Margarita would then expand to Orland Park in 2005. With his son Chase join-
ing the company the two of them would then open up new locations in Bolingbrook (2014), Hinsdale (2016), Chicago (2017) and Downers Grove (2018). In late 2015 Casa Margarita launched their E-Club which offers rewards, perks and special promotions exclusive to its members. It’s free to join and their E-Club has now passed the 40,000 member mark. Excited by all of Casa Margarita’s current success Al and Chase expect to continue the expansion in the following years by opening new stores throughout the suburbs and the Chicagoland area.
3/14/19 4:05 PM