Business & Tech
School St. Station Has Commuters Making A Stop
Daily specials and made-to-order paninis also a hit at recently opened bistro on Route 47
The recent Route 47 Construction Crawl was designed to support local businesses that have been affected by the nearby widening and reconstructing project. But for at least one local business, the crawl was also an opportunity to introduce itself to Huntley residents.
Thanks to the construction crawl, School Street Station Bistro, 9704 Route 47, enjoyed one of its busiest days since opening last month.
“It was a huge day and just so wonderful, because on that day we were everything we could be,” said Pam Fender, a Huntley trustee who also works full-time at School Street and assists with its marketing. “I wish every day could be that busy.”
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The construction crawl also allowed School Street, which rests in a strip mall at the north end of the road work, to really show off its menu, one with which Fender admits bistro owner Dave Horan is still toying.
“We’re still working things out,” she said. “I always tell people we’re not now what we’ll be in six months, because we change things. For example, our specials: We’re finding out what works and what doesn’t work.”
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Among the early menu successes for School Street are its daily specials.
“Everything we do is made to order,” said Fender, who noted that School Street even makes breakfast paninis. “We’re not fast food. Just give us a couple of minutes and we’ll get it done as quickly as we can.”
Other favorites among patrons thus far are ice cream, fruit smoothies and the School Street drive-through, where morning commuters can choose from a wide variety of coffee, teas and espresso drinks served hot or cold.
“Our teas are high quality, loose, tea that we literally put in a teabag and steep for you,” Fender said.
For those who’d rather dine in School Street offers wine, martinis, and 12 different beers. Additionally, local musicians perform on Thursdays and Fridays.
“To me, this would be the greatest place to take a date.” Fender said. “We have no TVs. It’s not a sports bar and it’s not your ‘sit-around-and-get-drunk place.’ It’s a ‘go-out-and-have-a-fun-night-with-your-wife-or-girlfriend’ place.”
As for the origin of School Street Station Bistro name, Fender says is a carryover from when Horan owned a bistro in St. Louis.
