MODERN & Delicious The Grove opens in Agora Towers

By: Kelley White • Photos by: Mark Busch

With a dash of flair, a touch of modernism and a base of homegrown flavors, owners Jason Engstrom, Sam Patterson and Steve Gackowski are introducing a cocktailfocused bar with an exceptional menu to DeKalb. The three business partners opened The Grove at 204 N. Fourth St. in April.

The trio grew up together in DeKalb and Malta, attending DeKalb High School together. In college and the years that followed, their lives pulled them to different cities, but their business venture reeled them back to their home region.

“We’ve all been all over the place the last decade, and once Steve started floating the idea of seriously starting a restaurant, we kind of came to the easy conclusion that our hometown would be a really good place to do that,” Patterson said.

The Beginning Of A Dream

The Grove co-owners are over a year into the process of opening their restaurant. When they started in October 2021, their first order of business was finding the perfect space for their vision.

“We looked at every available spot in town,” Patterson said. “None of the sites either met our financial needs, our base needs or uniqueness.”

They found their answer in the Agora Towers, inspired by their friend, mentor and owner of the Towers, John Pappas.

“Once this building was nearing completion, we had some dates in mind,” Patterson said.

“John Pappas is obviously a pretty good mentor to have in our back pocket when starting a restaurant. So, we saw the opportunity to have this corner spot at Agora with 92 units above and outdoor space, which is rare in DeKalb, as well as the opportunity to really start fresh and not use and adapt someone else’s restaurant or space.”

The owners understand the business, with years of experience between them. Engstrom said he grew up working at Twin’s Tavern in DeKalb, later serving as a bartender. Patterson’s tastes in the restaurant industry were influenced by his past experiences as well as where he has traveled and lived.

“We take a lot from where we were living the past couple of decades, and we saw the need in DeKalb,” Patterson. “Then, having all of our contacts, family and friends still here, it was a really easy decision and transition bringing people over.”

AMBIANCE & FLAVORS

The Grove is a dining destination with modern flair.

“Everything from our décor, layout and overall aesthetic, all the way down to the menu we’re offering, and the cocktails, is elevated and fresh,” Patterson said. “Our menu is upscale modern American.”

He emphasizes the menu will not be overly expensive. Instead, it will be affordably classy. Ingredients are never frozen, and they aim to use local sources for produce.

“Being in a farming community, I think it’ll be good to tap into those local farmers and get some of the fresh produce they offer,” Engstrom said.

The Grove’s menu will constantly evolve throughout the year with a few select staples.

“We want our menu to be seasonally changing, so you are going to see things that will get pulled off that might not be on till next spring,” Engstrom said. “We want to go along with what the season is, which will affect both cocktail and food menus.”

The owners also have developed a wine locker concept where guests can bring wines they would like to drink and store at a yearly fee.

“Typically, a corking fee would be $20,” Engstrom said. “This fee would entice people if they are wine connoisseurs, with the ability to access wines they really like, guaranteed.”

The restaurant also will offer an extended listing of wine at a discounted price.

“It’s another unique thing that will hopefully bring in some people who might have to go to Geneva or farther to get the feel you might expect if you went a little more east,” Patterson said.

The Grove will have a patio with seating for about 50 people and is expected to be a big hit this summer alongside a menu to perfectly complement the weather.

“I have a really good burrata dish,” Engstrom said. “It’s a very light dish with fresh peaches, a candied walnut balsamic reduction and prosciutto with toast points.”

The menu will also feature a lot of shared plates. “I love the idea of a table of four ordering five or six dishes and sharing every single piece,” Patterson said. “We also have five main dishes that point to skirt steak, salmon, scallops – that sort of thing. But we’re really focusing on the small to medium plates to get everyone sharing.”

Patterson is particularly proud of the tavern’s take on an American classic: the cheeseburger.

“We’re really trying to make an attraction out of our burger,” he said. “You know, we’re not doing anything crazy, it’s just a very basic but different burger with the garlic aioli, onion, cheese, and that’s literally about it. It’s about simple amazing flavor.”

Customer Service

With so many restaurants in flux nowadays, it’s important to the owners to keep a good attitude and environment at The Grove to create an atmosphere folks will love.

“The philosophy is basically being attentive,” Engstrom said. “I want all of our staff to get along. I think a happy place runs smoother with good leadership and management and also, we want to offer our employees incentives as far as food and percentages off so that when they’re not on shift, they want to bring their friends.”

Leadership is quality the trio of owners prioritize. “It starts from the top,” Engstrom said. “Leadership and leading by example is my main focus. I’m not above that, you know, I want to develop a good working relationship with these people.”

The Grove’s staff are valued as highly as the customers, and the owners want employees to be happy.

“Restaurants are stressful, and I think that’s just the nature of the job,” Patterson said. “But if we can do our best and make people happy to be here, trying to make it as fun as possible, that’s what we want to do.”

Ultimately, Engstrom, Patterson and Gackowski want to see their customers content, feeling welcomed and having an amazing time in their new bar.

“I wouldn’t be in this if I didn’t want to make people happy,” Engstrom said.

“My whole goal is to bring new ideas and new flavor profiles to people who maybe aren’t getting that out here, you know?”

“I want customers to experience a bright and airy family atmosphere,” Patterson said. “We want to encourage the kids and adults to come here so we can provide them quality food that hopefully anybody can like.”

Make your way to The Grove to experience a corner of the neighborhood with great food, warm ambiance and a fresh atmosphere where everyone’s smiling.

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