Business & Tech

Q&A: Details on Dancing Marlin Restaurant From Tom Kara

The Frankfort businessman discusses why his proposed restaurant is right for the village.

Frankfort Patch recently caught up with Tom Kara, a village resident who is part of a team hoping to bring a new upscale seafood restaurant called Dancing Marlin to Frankfort.

The Frankfort Village Board of Trustees will vote to approve liquor and outdoor seating permits for the restaurant at a meeting on Dec. 17. 

Dancing Marlin would be located at 20590 La Grange Road, the former home of Torre’s and Dino Anthony’s.

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Kara gave Patch the details surrounding the potential new restaurant last week.

Frankfort Patch: What will Dancing Marlin bring to Frankfort?

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Tom Kara: We would be a seafood and a fresh fish place, but, quite honestly, that’s probably 30 percent of the menu. We also have other items that are just very unique, very innovative, and that you really can’t find around here.

Patch: Are you going to be targeting the market in Frankfort or are you really looking more for diners across the Southland?

Kara: I think we’re going to be a destination that’s going to stretch out, certainly past Frankfort. Since we’re going to be a unique establishment, I think we’re going to be drawing people, quite honestly, from up to 25 miles away.

Patch: Do you have previous experience in business or in the restaurant world?

Kara: In business, absolutely. My wife and I own Chew on This Dog Barkery, so we have had a business in Frankfort for nine years now. I am also a director on the chamber board.

Patch: This location has been home to several failed restaurants in Frankfort.

Kara: Very true.

Patch: Why will Dancing Marlin be the one to survive?

Kara: Each of them came in and brought with them a selection of items that were abundantly available every block and really didn’t stand out and differentiate themselves. We think that we’ll be able to come in and absolutely differentiate ourselves with not only look and feel that we’re going to transform the building into, but also with menu and service. So, we don’t think there’s really any comparison between what we’re doing and those prior businesses. And also, we don’t feel that … the location had anything to do with those businesses failing.

To read more about plans to bring Dancing Marlin to Frankfort, click here.

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