Wildfire Bar and Grill opens on Jackson Street in Macomb
MACOMB — Macomb's new restaurant, Wildfire Bar and Grill, will open Saturday, Sept. 10, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 928 West Jackson, in the old Italian Express building across from Wendy's.
Claire Weinrich and Blake Kelly, owners, both grew up in Macomb and graduated from Macomb High School and studied at Western Illinois University.
“We have worked in the restaurant business for about seven years,” Blake said. “I've always wanted to open my own restaurant, and in the last two years we've been trying to make it come together, and this place kind of came along.”
The “Wildfire” name is special to them. Blake's grandfather was a dirt track racer in the area for about 50 years. His nickname was, “Wild Man Kelly.” Blake's dad owned a sound and light show DJ service called, “Crossfire.” They brought the two together to create their business name.
Wildfire will serve all day breakfast, mimosas, as well as steaks, barbeque, meatball subs and other foods they said that people in the community have asked for over the years.
“We have a pretty wide menu, we are trying to cater to anyone, we've worked hard to fill the gaps in Macomb concerning dining,” Claire said. “Someone can come in and spend $5 or $20. We've tried to make everything as affordable as we can.”
The restaurant will have a bar, says Blake, however it may be a few weeks until they are able to serve liqour because their liqour license is still being processed. They will not be using the current drive thru, but will offer dine in and take out. Gift certificates are also available. They have tentative plans to turn the drive thru area into an area with outdoor seating.
“We're proud of what we're making and we want to meet the needs of what the people want: a casual place that anyone feels comfortable,” Blake said.
They said parking will not be an issue as there are about 25 parking places. Parking is available to the east of the building and have a “W” on the signs to indicate the restaurant's spaces. There is also a lot located by the brick building next door at 932 W Jackson.
Wildfire Bar and Grill will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. They can be reached on their FaceBook page, “Wildfire Bar and Grill”, where the menu is also posted.
This article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice: Wildfire Bar and Grill opens on Jackson Street in Macomb
