Lemont House Since 1978: Bites Nearby

Imagine the daunting prospect of owning a restaurant that serves Korean, Chinese and American cuisine for more than three decades.

Now imagine starting that business as recent Korean immigrants with a 6-year old son in a new town, speaking limited English and without having nearby family or friends.

Such is the story of Jung and Nam Lim and their son, Jae, who've been the proprietors of the Lemont House since 1978.

"There was a bit of a culture shock for my parents," explained Jae, who helps his parents run the restaurant.

The Lims purchased a small "greasy spoon" diner on Main Street that seated only 25 customers. They worked long hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Lim's relied on their knowledge of Korean and Chinese cooking and their experience working in a restaurant for their first three years after immigrating to the U.S. in 1975.

Preparing American cuisine, however, proved a challenge.

"My father (Jung) even asked the waitress they'd hired to teach him how to make scrambled eggs and burgers," said Lim, adding that the demand for Korean food in Lemont wasn't particularly great then.

Lim said his parents were steadfast in their efforts. They eventually succeeded enough to expand into the adjacent building creating the present day facility.

The staff is comprised of Lim, his parents and one server. Lim's younger brother lives nearby and is a teacher in Plainfield.

Lim learned a strong work ethic from his parents' example. The three are involved in all aspects of operations — from shopping in Chinatown to repairing kitchen equipment malfunctions.

"My parents are driven," said Lim, also affectionately using the word "stubborn."

"The only thing that stops them is illness," he added.

A desire to please customers, including the long-time ones who remember the one-building diner, has resulted in the restaurant's longevity, Lim said.

"[My parents] are very likeable and strive for quality so that there are never any complaints," Lim said.

The menu is large, explained Lim, and offers something for everyone, especially families with differing tastes.

Popular dishes are sweet-and-sour chicken, fried rice, kalbee (a spicy Korean-style rib), burgers and fried chicken.

"We sure make a lot of burgers," said Lim with a chuckle.

Lim alludes to his parents retiring someday and his overseeing the Lemont House, but there are no formal plans. Working is second nature to his parents, he said.

Despite downturns in the economy and watching other businesses come and go, the Lims have never looked back on their decision to settle in Lemont at the suggestion of an aquaintance.

"My parents have stayed through good times and bad times," Lim said. "They love this town."