Good Hope residents haven't experienced the convenience of a local cafe since 2020. Beginning this week, that wait is over thanks to Manjot Kaur and her husband Gurinder Singh. The couple, along with their 2 boys: Jaitej (14) and Navtej (9), opened the restaurant to offer the community a wide variety of food choices and a place for people to gather and enjoy each other's company.
The family-run business will feature donuts, appetizers, pizzas (12' and 14' sizes) and sandwiches, including the Good Hope Big Zesty—a burger covered in pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of extra toppings—perfect for those who like a little spice in their lives. The restaurant will soon feature ice cream, just in time for those hot summer days.
'I want to thank the village council including John Connor (Village President), Tammy Dal Bello (Village Clerk), and Judy Julien (Village Treasurer); they have been so helpful. I also want to thank the community for their support,' Manjot said, during a soft opening on Friday, May 15 along with a ribbon-cutting hosted by members of the Good Hope Village Board.
She went on to say that her kitchen team—JD Singh, Brendon Myers and Amy Bowen—has been crucial in making the restaurant come to life: 'I simply could not have done this without them!'
The family also owns the BP gas station located across the street, giving them a stake in the community's economic future.
Beginning Monday, May 18, the Good Hope Cafe's hours will be 10:30 a.m. 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can dine in or carry out. To pre-order, call 309-456-3404.
A Facebook page and webstite are coming soon.
Marjot concluded with a big invitation to the area: 'Come and try for yourself and enjoy this small town cafe!'
