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New location, same great taste
4:00 am Jun 4 - by Jeanine Russell – buzz Writer
Related Venues
Cactus Grill »Address: 1405 S. Neil Street Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 351-8226
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Serendipity Cafe »
Address: Illini Union 1401 W. Green St. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 333-2362
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Cactus Grill, a previous staple of the Illini Union food court, has relocated. Its new spot at 1405 S. Neil St. in Stadium Plaza is helping business grow, said owner Rick Lau.
“In the Union, we saw a lot of the same people,” Lau said. “But here, we see new customers every day.”
Cactus Grill first came to the Union in 2005. “The whole concept was created by me and my wife,” Lau said.
He and his wife, Linda, are no strangers to the restaurant industry either. The couple also owns Serendipity in the Illini Union and ran a bakery for 10 months where the current Cactus Grill operates.
Lau credits his love of the food industry to his parents. “My parents owned a bakery,” he said. “I’ve been around it my whole life. I learned from them.” But to Lau, this venuture is something different. “[Cactus Grill] is something mine instead of following in my father’s steps with a bakery,” he said.
Lau said one of the things he is proudest of is the restaurant’s ties to the community. During Cactus Grill’s time at the Union, it was the only locally owned restaurant in the food court.
“We’re proud to be locally owned. We even use a local food vendor,” Lau said. “This is my own creation, and I know it works ... Everything is prepared fresh in our kitchen.” The menu is all Lau’s as well. He and Linda formulated the recipes used in the restaurant, which offers burritos, tacos, taco salads and quesadillas. Though the menu may seem small, options such as steak chipotle, honey grilled chicken and even fish or tofu allow for unique and personalized dishes to be created. “It’s a small menu with a big menu hidden,” Lau said.
“I like that they have tofu. Not many restaurants in town do,” said Rebecca Butler, a Champaign resident.
Not only does Cactus Grill cater to each individual’s food preference but it’s also quick and reasonablly priced. Nothing on the menu exceeds seven dollars, and a stop at Cactus Grill can easily fit into a busy workday. “We’re fast. People come in who have less than an hour lunch break,” Lau said.
“It’s fast food, but it’s fresh,” Butler said. It’s a different, locally owned option for people looking for a good lunch or dinner.
Sound Off
Last post: Jun. 5, 2009 at 8:21 am
Charlie (Charlie Warwick) said on Jun. 5, 2009 at 8:21 am:
Jeanine Russell is right on the mark with this review of a great new gastronomic venue; one which is easy and fast to get in and out of (for those in a hurry) and with tasty fresh food at a reasonable price.
Kudos to Jeanine and Buzz for showcasing this small and friendly eatery, tucked away in Stadium Plaza.
Charlie W.