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• New tastes at Jack's Grill conjure up Mediterranean dreams

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Jack's Bar & Grill »
Address: 108 N. Garrard Rantoul, IL 61866
Phone: (217) 893-2803
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The opening of Jack’s Grill signifies not only a new Mediterranean restaurant on the map, but also the realization of one man’s dream.

When Nayef Abdeljawad, also known as “Jack,” first immigrated to the United States, he came as a chef from Palestine. Though the Abdeljawad family has owned the A-1 convenience stores in the Champaign area for years, Jack said his cooking background left him wanting something more.

“Opening a restaurant has always been my dream,” said Nayef. “I worked in the restaurant business (in Jordan) as a chef for over 25 years.”

Nayef’s passion for Jack’s Grill, located on North Neil just before the railroad tracks, is apparent as he serves two policeman of the Champaign area, Joel Haynes and Scott Dillaha, plate upon plate of his personal favorites.

“I came in here once and just had a chicken kebab,” said Dillaha. “Jack kept coming out and saying ‘try this, try this.’”

Apart from a variety of kebabs, Jack’s Grill also serves other Mediterranean dishes such as Shawarma, a charbroiled marinated beef served with rice and pita bread, and American cuisine including Philly Cheesesteak and ribeye steak.

Currently, all plates are less than $10 and according to Haynes “portions are big.”

“I’ve had Middle-Eastern food all over the world,” said Haynes between bites of kebab. “This is about the best I’ve had.”

Nayef’s son Maher also helps with the family business and said that Jack’s Grill is very different from any other restaurant in the area.

“It is sit-down fast food,” said Maher, “but everything is fresh. You can pick your own kebabs fresh and watch them being cooked, or if you’re in a hurry you can grab the homemade meal of the day.”

Maher, who owns one of the convenience stores and also helps with the family-owned and operated business, is confident Jack’s Grill will prosper. “We are in business to be in business,” he said.

Even though the restaurant has been open less than two weeks, the family already has big plans for Jack’s Grill.

“In five years we would like to have two or three locations,” Maher said. “This is our first restaurant but it won’t be our last.”