A new fast-casual restaurant and bar that aims to break the mold of Illinois Valley norms will open in downtown Ottawa next month.

“We chose the name Misfits to signal that we don’t stick to tradition,” says Matt Palia, who owns the restaurant with his business partner Claire Coffey.

Customers can choose healthier meals.

“Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free are such a big part of the world today,” Palia said, but also noted that there will be variety. “We’re not leaning toward all (healthier options). We’ll still have Italian beef. Because we’re outsiders, we’ll say here’s the traditional side, but we’ll go a step further to bring it into the present.”

Palia, for example, loves French dip and often orders the roast beef sandwich when eating out.

“There’s no point putting that and Italian beef on the menu. We’re going to do a French dip with mushrooms that offers it as a vegetarian option but has the heartiness of the traditional version. We’re trying to get people to think outside the box a little bit.”

“But still stick to the classic, wholesome food,” Coffey added.

Misfits offers a typical burger, a sandwich and a salad with the option to create your own dishes.

The restaurant will open at the site of the closed Corner230, where Coffey previously worked.

“I know the building and the people there, so it’s pretty cool to be back in that place and give it the light it needs to bring it into 2024 and not 2014,” she said.

Claire grew up in Ottawa and Palia moved to Ottawa three years ago. He grew up in the suburbs, but his family has roots in the Illinois Valley.

“We wanted to do something that was a 180-degree turn from what we had done before, so there wasn’t necessarily a comparison.”

— Matt Palia, co-owner of Misfits in Ottawa

Palia has 32 years of experience in service, retail and management, including 12 years in the restaurant industry. He has worked in Chicago and Pittsburgh, most recently at the former Red Dog Grill, where he and Coffey met and decided to open their own restaurant.

Corner230 closed in 2022 after 12 years in business and the space is perfect for Misfit’s concept, Coffey said, although Misfits will be different from its predecessor.

“We wanted to do something that was a 180-degree turn from what we’d done before, so there wasn’t necessarily a comparison,” she said.

For some customers there will also be a different concept, as there will be no waiters on staff. Customers can order at the bar or at their table via QR codes.

Misfits will have a retro theme with brighter colors, more lighting, and more exposed brickwork than the space’s previous design.

“It’s not dead in the ’80s or ’90s style, not cheesy or over the top, but that’s the mood we’re going for,” Palia said.

“It’s not a college bar, it’s not a club. We don’t have slot machines,” Palia said. “We want people like us who just want to go out and have fun with friends.”

Those who have visited Corner230 will remember that it consists of two spaces, 228 W. Madison and 230 W. Madison St. The 228 side will serve as a restaurant area and will be open seven days a week.

“It’s going to be fast, healthy and really good food,” Palia said, pointing out that you can place your order and get your food within eight minutes.

While the other side serves as a fun bar area.

“We’re going to change the menu so that there are no more appetizers and no more full main courses, but a cozy spot in between,” said Palia. “Then you can come, sit, drink and hang out longer.”

On the drinks menu, there is a non-alcoholic counterpart to every alcoholic mixed drink.

The owners of Misfits plan to get involved in the Ottawa community. They are partnering with Jeremiah Joe Coffee to create a custom coffee blend and are planning a colorful Christmas theme on the restaurant side for the Chris Kringle Market to coincide with a community toy drive.

Restaurant opening hours are Monday to Friday 10:00am-3:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-3:00pm (brunch menu available). Bar opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 10:00am-3:00pm, Thursday and Friday 10:00am-11:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-11:00pm and Sunday 8:00am-9:00pm. Lunch menu is served from 10:00am-3:00pm on both sides and brunch is served from 8:00am-3:00pm on both sides.

The Times/NewsTribune/Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping its readers informed about business developments in the area. Much of our reporting is based on what we see and hear, but we also turn to our readers for tips on business topics. If you have a tip for Eyes on Enterprise, email us at [email protected].