.png)
Familiar Elgin hangout Millie’s on Main is back open with a revamped food program and is asking for feedback before an official grand opening celebration.
The downtown business began with a “quiet opening” May 22, allowing staff to test operations and gather customer feedback before doors fully open in June. Managing partner Jose Salazar said the phased schedule is designed to help the business refine its menu and customer experience while reconnecting with the Elgin community.
“We’re kind of just testing the waters out here,” Salazar said. “We want to really get that feedback from all the guests and the community to see what we’re missing and how we can improve their experience.”
During the four-week soft opening period, the business plans to rotate menus weekly while testing concepts like Tex-Mex, bar food and appetizers. Salazar said the goal is to figure out which offerings resonate most with customers before finalizing a permanent menu.
“We’re going to have a customer box up front where they can leave us a note to say what they loved and what they didn’t love,” Salazar said. “We want to see what Elgin really likes.”
Salazar recently became managing partner alongside existing owners Cody and Stacey Mauck, who remain involved behind the scenes. He said he and his wife, Magdalena, plan to take a more hands-on role in daily operations.
The restaurant previously relied on food trucks for dining service, but Salazar said feedback showed many customers wanted a more traditional restaurant experience.
“What we’re doing is we’re bringing a different concept in … we’re actually adding servers, hostesses and bartenders,” Salazar said. “This is going to be more of a restaurant bar and grill.”
According to Salazar, the venue will continue hosting live bands and karaoke nights while working to create a more family-oriented atmosphere.
“We want this to be where you come out with your family and you enjoy a nice dinner at a good quality price,” he said. “We want to have a huge impact on the community.”
Millie’s plans to gradually expand operating days and hours during the reopening period and eventually add lunch service.
