Kismet, the beloved Orland Park restaurant that unexpectedly closed earlier this year, is open once again, and this time with its original owner back at the helm.
Roy Tufek, who has more than 60 years of experience in the restaurant industry, first opened Kismet in 1977. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly owner, the restaurant quickly became a community staple.
“I grew up in town, and this town has made me who I am,” said Tufek, a longtime Orland Park resident.
Located at 9931 W. 151st St. in Orland Park, Kismet offers a classic, family-friendly dining experience. The menu features favorites like crispy chicken sandwiches, fresh appetizers including fried mushrooms and mozzarella sticks, and an extensive kids’ menu. For dessert, customers can choose from a variety of flavorful ice cream options such as cookie dough and birthday cake.
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
Tufek retired in 2017 after selling the building and restaurant to a couple who ran it for seven years before passing it on to Worth native Daniel Canter. Canter operated Kismet for 14 months before deciding in March to close the doors due to some unforeseen circumstances he stated in a Facebook post as the rising cost of labor, products, repair and upkeep — but Tufek wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the restaurant that he always looked at like a second home.
He took back ownership of Kismet and officially reopened the restaurant on June 9.
“We are so happy he’s back,” said Shirley and Paul, regular customers from Orland Park, who greeted Tufek with a hug before ordering their favorite: the gyro dinner.
Tufek said it was the customers he missed most.
“The neighborhood accepted me and welcomed me back with open arms,” he said. “I am so humbled.”
With nearly every chain imaginable just a quick drive away on LaGrange Road, Tufek said Kismet offers something big businesses can’t.
“We are different — this is a community restaurant, and we establish relationships with our customers,” he said.
Before reopening, Tufek made several updates to the building, including a new electronic menu board with vivid photos of delicious dishes, fresh interior paint, and upgrades to the ceiling, flooring and lighting.
For long-time fans and new visitors alike, Kismet remains a place where good food and genuine hospitality go hand in hand.
