Marwan Taib has worked hard over the past seven years to build his Spotted Fox Ale House brand in St. Charles.
In fact, when a similar chain restaurant opened across the street a few years ago and his business did not suffer, Taib knew he had a winning formula he could brand across the suburbs. He opened a Carpentersville location in November and is currently shopping for a third site.
“We were on the Fox River and wanted to be THE spot on the Fox,” Taib said. “So we picked another location on the river. We’ve had hour-long waits to get in to our Carpentersville location since we opened in November.”
Previously, Taib owned another restaurant in St. Charles, but closed it to open the second Spotted Fox Ale House location. “We’re really focused on the Spotted Fox brand and the value of that has finally come together.”
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Taib describes the restaurant as a family sports bar with an extensive menu and lots of craft beer. “It’s comfortable but elegant, it’s family oriented.”
The menu includes popular items like chicken limone, Jail Island salmon and Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta. “These are very popular and sets us apart from most bar food. We did that purposely,” he said.
Even though there are 30 TVs at Spotted Fox Ale House, Taib said the restaurant doesn’t slow down when the games are over.
As the son of a travel agent in Morocco, Taib traveled a lot as a child and was mesmerized by different cultures and their food. “I wanted this to become the place to go. I have a passion for food and travel and people who have their own food stand out.”
Taib also understands the importance of a scratch kitchen. Ranch, blue cheese and all the sauces are made in house. “I have a customer, Brian, who gets some ranch to go every two weeks for his wife.”
About the owners: Taib opened Spotted Fox Ale House in St. Charles in 2012. He previously owned Charleston on the River in St. Charles but closed it to open the Carpentersville Spotted Fox Ale House.
Décor: According to the website, the interior features original steel craftsmanship, bamboo walls and custom-designed furniture. There are three dining areas, booths for eight and a 30-seat bar. All locations have a horseshoe bar, designed so patrons can see each other and talk across the bar, Taib said. “We do that to give women and families the feeling that it’s not a bar,” he said. A newly designed patio will open in the spring.
Most popular dishes: “Our food stands out. We have amazing fajitas, burgers, wraps and wings, but that’s not what we’re about,” Taib said. “I like the chicken limone a lot, and our Jail Island salmonis my favorite. The salmon is solid with the jalapeno glaze.”
Price range: Appetizers from $4.95 to $11.95. Flatbreads are $8.95 and $9.95. Salads are $4.95 to $11.95. Burgers from $9.95 to $11.95. Sandwiches are $10.95 and $13.95. Entrees from $11.95 to $19.95. Wraps from $8.95 to $10.95. Sides are $3 and $4. Kids’ meals are $5.95. Full bar offering draft and bottled beer, martinis, specialty drinks, wine and after-dinner drinks.
Logistics: Spotted Fox Ale House is at 3615 E. Main St., St. Charles. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays. Contact 630-584-2239 or spottedfoxalehouse.com/.
Shonda Talerico Dudlicek is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.
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