DeKALB — Glidden Hill Grill and Catering is a budding business offering traditional bar food as well as traditional grilled Greek food such as pork souvlaki, gyros and a Greek burger. Being a restaurant owner for over 30 years, owner Pete Matarangas will be bringing greek culture to DeKalb. 

Matarangas opened the grill in August, and hopes he can grow his new business for years to come. He hopes the sale of liquor will help increase business.

Matarangas was the former owner of a restaurant called Lukulos. It closed in 2017 after being open for over 30 years, Matarangas said. He had started the business when he was 23 years old. It was a carry out style restaurant that did not offer as much Greek style food, as the new restaurant has. 

Glidden Hill Grill, 930 Pappas Drive, is in a difficult location, Matarangas said, but he feels he has the experience in business and food service to make it successful. As the business grows, Matarangas said he wants to expand the Greek options he offers and provide more traditional meals. 

Matarangas said one of his personal favorite dishes, the pork souvlaki, has also become a restaurant favorite. The pork is incorporated with greek seasonings which bring out a succulent flavor. He also said he makes homemade tzatziki sauce with yogurt that accompanies several of the dishes.

The restaurant is set up and prepared for social distancing. The tables are spread out and the booths are very large, allowing for groups of people to still keep distance among themselves. The bar inside the grill allows for social distancing. 

While the grill has a full bar, it is not trying to be Fatty’s or Molly’s, Glenn Roby, friend of the owner and advisor, said. It is a grill that also happens to offer alcohol. NIU students and faculty with an ID get 20% off all orders, excluding alcohol. 

The atmosphere is very casual with great wait staff, Roby said. He said he enjoys being able to be around people, but still be cautious and at a safe social distance.

Once Matarangas expands the menu into more authentic Greek food, he hopes to cook foods that his mother cooked and he cooked growing up, he said. He said he has always loved to cook and serve others.

Roby said the most important thing about the restaurant is how much care and how much effort is put into the food. 

“If he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t serve it,” Roby said. 

Matarangas pays very close attention to detail and makes sure the food is perfect. He also tries his best to make sure most people will enjoy his food. Matarangas said he is always revising the menu and trying to make food that everyone enjoys. 

“I’m here to serve,” Matarangas said.

The Glidden Hill Grill and Catering is open 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday Glidden Hill Grill offers dine in, carry out and catering options. 

Visit them on Facebook and Instagram, or their website for more information.