2Toots Train Whistle Grill Is Chugging Into Glen Ellyn This Summer

Popular Family-Focused Franchise Opens Third Location in Chicago’s Western Suburbs

As its flagship location in Downers Grove celebrates its two year anniversary this month, popular 2Toots Train Whistle Grill is planning to make its next stop along the tracks in Glen Ellyn in early summer 2008.

Adjacent to the Metra train line in the former Cold Stone Creamery at 940 Main Street, the old fashioned, railroad-themed casual eatery will offer train lovers of all ages the chance to enjoy traditional American-style fare at prices under $7.

The only restaurant with multiple toy trains chugging and whistling along a counter track serving meals to every diner, 2Toots Train Whistle Grill plans to become a destination for Glen Ellyn residents and families from the surrounding suburbs.

“For nearly two years, we’ve been in discussions with the Glen Ellyn Economic Development Corporation about opening our next location in Glen Ellyn and we’re so pleased that day is nearly here,” said Dale Eisenberg, co-founder of the 2Toots Train Whistle Grill.

“We have seen such great customer response at our first two locations and look forward to welcoming new families to experience what 2Toots is all about. We’re already getting an overwhelmingly positive response from the community and are thrilled to soon become a part of downtown Glen Ellyn.”

After successfully introducing the 2Toots Train Whistle Grill concept in Downers Grove in May 2006, Eisenberg and business partner and co-founder Mike Ventre launched their second location in Toledo, Ohio in fall 2006. Upon opening its third location in historic downtown Glen Ellyn this summer, the duo plans to aggressively expand the franchise throughout the Chicagoland area in the months ahead.

The parent company, Train Whistle Grill Franchising, Inc., is currently interviewing new potential franchisees as it expands the 2Toots Train Whistle Grill to additional markets over the next 12-18 months.

Baby-boomers Eisenberg and co-founder Mike Ventre developed the concept years ago after successfully owning and operating multiple Original Pancake House locations in Park Ridge, Chicago and in Ohio since the late 1970’s. The duo intentionally brought a nostalgic vibe to 2Toots Train Whistle Grill complete with vintage train posters, traditional wainscoting, retro mirrors and an authentic soda/ice cream bar – reminiscent of basements they hung out in during their teen years.

In addition to “delivering” meals to delighted diners, each of the countertop Lionel and MTH electric trains is clearly of this decade’s “tech” era featuring wireless cameras that broadcast all of the diners’ fun on flat screen color monitors located throughout the restaurant.

“Our favorite part of the whole 2Toots experience is seeing the kids’ faces when the train rolls down the track delivering their meals,” said Ventre. “We know there are a lot of choices out there for a quick bite – we really have invested in creating a family-friendly experience that appeals to diners of all ages. We often see multiple generations of families come in together for a meal – and everyone really enjoys our trains, the food and the spirit of what 2Toots Train Whistle Grill is all about.”

2Toots Train Whistle Grill’s extensive and affordable menu includes such family favorites as USDA ground beef hamburgers and cheeseburgers, hot dogs, a variety of sandwiches and delicious salads. For little “conductors,” the restaurant also offers an extensive children’s menu (for kids 10 and under) including all the traditional kid fare (PB & J, Grilled Cheese, Dino Chicken Nuggets, etc.) and includes fries and a small drink for around $4.00. For those with a sweet tooth, aside from the thick hand dipped malts and milk shakes with fresh whipped cream served in a stainless steel cup, 2Toots Train Whistle Grill also serves delicious desserts including from-scratch cupcakes with decadent butter cream frosting, traditional ice cream sundaes, rich Ghirardelli chocolate brownies and homemade Kellogg Rice Krispy Treats – all topped with a 2Toots signature keepsake train whistle.

The restaurant will also be available for children’s birthday parties and private events. For more information, please contact Marketing Director Kathleen Henson at 630-315-2960 or Kathleen@2toots.com. For updates on the Glen Ellyn location’s opening date, please visit 2toots.com.

W00T!!

Downtown GE Shaping Up....

W00T!

Excellent! I hope its open by the end of June . I've got a three year old boy's birthday lunch to plan.

Visited Rich (The Bike Shop) at his new location the other day. What a nice space that is! Should work out well.