SILIVS, Illinois — There's a push for economic development in Silvis where a new restaurant, Chief's Bar and Grill, just opened on the edge of town.
"Our whole family here has a piece in it, but I came up with this idea about a half a year ago and kind of dragged my family into it," laughed Zach Kahley, owner of Chief's Bar and Grill.
On Tuesday, October 11, 2016, the restaurant had its grand opening.
"Our niche in the Quad Cities is we are a city of small entrepreneurs and Chief’s fits that bill," said Tom Conrad, Mayor of Silvis. "Here’s another family who has the will to come into Silvis and create a restaurant," he said.
Encouraging small business is one part of the bigger picture for economic development in Silvis.
The City has invested $80,000 - $90,000 over the last couple of years in a façade program for downtown businesses. Mayor Conrad says 19 businesses have taken advantage of the program.
"It seems to be a success," said Mayor Conrad.
"Based off what I'd heard and the research that I've done, Silvis was the most helpful with starting a new business. They weren't strict on anything, they were reliable and consistent on any questions we had," said Kahley, who graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Finance in May 2016.
Kahley says the new restaurant is an adventure for his entire family.
"We're employing up to 20 people now; and just boosting the economy in the Quad Cities is something I wanted to do," said Kahley.
The majority of the food is handmade and all recipes are from Head Cook, Doug Hill. Kahley says the restaurant's niche product is the stuffed burger.
"I think when people come out to try those, it will be something unique to bring them back," said Kahley.
Chief's Bar and Grill is located at 1600 Crosstown Avenue, Silvis, Illinois. Kahley says the restaurant's "twist" is that breakfast is offered from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.