After 22 years running Slager’s On 47th in Brookfield, Jim Slager is ready to expand.
On Sept. 9, the Countryside City Council approved a Class B Liquor License for Slager’s On 66, his second tavern, at 6542 Joliet Road in Countryside.
The location— former home of Uncle John’s Sports Bar & Grill—will open as soon as possible, Slager said.
Asked why he wanted to open another tavern, the 55-year-old Lockport resident had a quick answer.
“Why not? I’ve been wanting that place for a few years and it finally became available. I just like the location.”
Slager’s Brookfield tavern has loyal customers and a strong reputation. Three employees have worked there 14, 15, and 18 years. He credits his success to “good service, good people.”
At the new location, Slager plans to expand his menu.
His Brookfield tavern serves frozen pizzas; Countryside will have a full kitchen.
He will have six gaming machines—the same number as in Brookfield—and is considering a separate gaming room. He’s also thinking about adding a draft beer system; currently, the location has only a refrigerator.
The new tavern will have room for about 60 customers and will not have a beer garden, unlike the Brookfield location.
Running two taverns won’t be a challenge, Slager said. “I trust the people I have working here. They pretty much run it for me. They were all hand-selected by me.”
He’s looking for the same caliber of staff for Countryside.
Slager entered the tavern business two decades ago after leaving corporate work with a cable company.
“They cut our pay so badly, I said ‘screw it.’ I did nothing for six months. And this opportunity came and I took it with my brother.”
His brother is no longer a business partner, he said.
Slager’s signature drink—a fresh espresso martini—has earned a following. “It’s fantastic,” he said.
Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott welcomed the expansion. He noted that Uncle John’s closed after just three years, though he added: “I loved their tacos.”
That comment has been echoed by many, Slager said. And, yes, there’s a very good chance tacos will remain on the menu.