On any given day at Gaston’s Bistro, it is not unusual to find owner Yaser Elkayyal greeting customers by name, flipping eggs behind the line and stepping out from the kitchen moments later to clear a table.
That hands-on rhythm is not a performance for Elkayyal. It reflects his belief in how a neighborhood restaurant should be run.
Gaston’s Bistro, located at 14438 John Humphrey Drive, has been a staple in Orland Park since Elkayyal purchased the restaurant in January 2002. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the family-owned bistro also offers catering and private event space, all rooted in Elkayyal’s commitment to scratch-made, homecooked meals and personal connection.
“I have a one-on-one relationship with all of my customers,” Elkayyal said. “It is very important to me to build strong relationships with my customers. In fact, a lot of them have my cell phone number and just call me to let me know they’re coming in instead of calling the restaurant.”
That sense of familiarity is evident among Gaston’s loyal base of regulars, many of whom stop in daily or weekly. During warmer months, customers gather on the restaurant’s large outdoor patio, which is open in spring, summer and early fall. Gaston’s is also a BYOB establishment, a distinction Elkayyal said the restaurant introduced locally.
“We were actually the first restaurant in Orland to offer BYOB,” he said.
Before stepping fully into the restaurant world, Elkayyal worked as an engineer. His transition came through hands-on training with the former owner of Gaston’s, a French chef who mentored him in the kitchen. Today, Elkayyal serves as head chef while also pitching in wherever needed, from bussing tables to washing dishes.
Despite wearing many hats, Elkayyal is quick to credit his staff and is well-liked and respected by employees, many of whom have worked alongside him for years.
At its core, Gaston’s remains a family operation. Elkayyal’s mother, Samia, is a regular presence in the kitchen, baking desserts including cakes and freshly made tiramisu.
That philosophy extends to the menu. Nothing is frozen or processed, he said, and every dish is made to order. Elkayyal prepares all sauces, soups, salsas and pasta in-house, even seasoning chicken tenders from scratch.
“Here you will get a traditional meal, never processed or frozen and seasoned to perfection,” he said.
Popular menu items include the Mediterranean Wrap, filled with grilled chicken, spring lettuce, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, feta cheese and vinaigrette dressing. Elkayyal also recommends the Gaston’s Salad, served over romaine lettuce and topped with blue cheese crumbles, pears, walnuts and tomatoes with sesame ginger dressing. Even the mac and cheese is made fresh, with a choice of noodles and a blend of four cheeses, appealing to children and adults alike.
Beyond the kitchen, Elkayyal has built a reputation for giving back to the community. Gaston’s regularly provides hot lunches to area schools, including Sandburg, Stagg and Andrew high schools, Saint Michael’s School and Jerling Junior High School. The restaurant has also supported Stagg High School’s Veterans Day luncheon for the last decade, serving students and veterans and their families.
Gaston’s Bistro has catered village events such as Orland Park’s Meet the Mayor with Santa and the annual Toys for Tots program. During Thanksgiving, Elkayyal donates turkeys to families in need.
“It’s so important for me to give back,” he said. “It’s just how I was raised.”
Elkayyal, a Sandburg High School graduate who grew up in Orland Park, now lives in Tinley Park with his four children. That local upbringing continues to shape his values and his business.
Gaston’s Bistro is also available for private events, including birthday parties, bridal showers and other celebrations, with the option to rent the entire restaurant.
“All of our food is made to order,” he said.
This Valentine’s Day, Gaston’s Bistro is taking early reservations for a candlelight dinner featuring salmon and duck entrees, offering another opportunity for Elkayyal to welcome guests with the same care and attention that have defined the restaurant for more than two decades.
My favorite place to eat in Orland Park!