The Waffle Gourmet Serves Up Sweet and Savory Creations

Ever had a club sandwich on a waffle?

How about a chicken cordon bleu sandwich, also served on a waffle?

These are just a couple of the offerings at a restaurant in Deer Park Town Center. The Waffle Gourmet, which opened in the fall, is all about waffles, as its name implies. There are sandwiches — both of the breakfast variety and for lunch or dinner — and desserts, all served on waffles.

Guests can also get a basic waffle for just $5 and add a variety of toppings at various prices, from an egg over easy at $1 to chicken tenders at $2.

"Most people don't think of a waffle as a sandwich," said Tom Sorrels of Lake Zurich, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Shari.

"The waffle is not heavily-sweetened and it's not malt-based," added Shari, noting that this makes for simple base for all of the restaurant's creations.

The idea to open a waffle-based restaurant came from a neighbor, Tom said.

"We realized the waffle can be used in so many ways," he said.

Tom and Shari went to work on creating a menu, testing out their creations on their three daughters at home. Shari said the recipes came from trial-and-error — and seeking out friends' ideas.

"It really is an extension of our home kitchen," said Shari.

The Waffle Gourmet restaurant at Deer Park Town Center is the couple's first location. They hope to open more, likely within a 10-mile radius of the Deer Park location.

Ron Roberti serves as the store's managing partner.

"What we're trying to create here is a nice, family-friendly atmosphere," he said. "Everyone is treated like guests. We want everyone to feel comfortable."

That philosophy extends to the employees as well, many of whom are culinary arts students at schools like College of Lake County and Harper College.

"We want them to look forward to coming to work," said Roberti. "We want the staff to feel a sense of ownership."

Jeff Nowry of Wheeling, known as "Chef Jeff" at The Waffle Gourmet, has the go-ahead to dream up new waffle concepts. Right now, he's working on a chocolate-covered bacon waffle. Nowry said he even crafted an Oktoberfest-themed waffle with a pre-cooked Boar's Head bratwurst (the restaurant uses Boar's Head meats).

"It's definitely an outside-of-the-box place," said Nowry.

For its desserts, the restaurant offers 24 flavors of ice cream. It's been estimated, Shari said, that there are more than 5,000 possible combinations of ice cream flavors and toppings. Among the restaurant's dessert offerings is The Dreamcicle, with orange and lemon sorbets, whipped cream and fresh citrus zest.

The restaurant also offers gluten-free waffles, organic fair-trade coffees and smoothies. There's also free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and retro games.

To see the full menu, visit The Waffle Gourmet website. The restaurant is located at 20330 N. Deer Park Blvd.