Dave & Buster's Now Open in Orland Park

By Jessica Crotty

Some of the outer perimeter lots around Orland Square Mall have seemed a bit desolate in recent years. Orland Square Theaters closed in the late 1990s, and Al’s Diner, 56 Orland Square Drive, served its last customer in 1999. More recently, Sam Maguire’s Irish Pub, 39 Orland Square Drive, closed in January.

Things, however, appear to be looking up around the mall, at least in the form of food and fun for families.

Interactive video games can keep families
 glued to the screen at Dave & Busters.

Dave & Buster’s opened Sept. 22 in the former theater lot, next to the Toys “R” Us. Another parcel east of the mall that was home to a second Orland Square Theater later became home to Robert Morris College.

“We’re very happy to have the old theaters taken down after several years of being vacant,” Orland Park Mayor Daniel McLaughlin said.

Dave & Buster’s, McLaughlin added, is a good fit for the village and the region.

“There isn’t much of that type of entertainment in the southwest suburbs and I think it will be a big success,” he said.

While the Dave & Buster’s Orland location is slightly smaller than those at the Addison and Chicago locations, it boasts the same amount of games and amenities. Plus, it’s the inside that General Manager Mike McCormick says is so impressive.

“Every Dave & Buster’s has its own character,” McCormick said. “The décor in Orland Park is so modern. It has a definite wow factor when you walk in. This is the place to be.”

With everything Dave & Buster’s has to offer guests, it’s more than just an arcade, McCormick said. Yet, games are still the biggest draw. With 140 games and 100 player stations (big video games that accommodate multiple players simultaneously), there are more than 200 games in the whole building for people to play at one time. Gamers will find everything from the arcade classics to the latest interactive and video games.

After a few hours of playing, guests can hit the Winner’s Circle to redeem their tickets for prizes that range from electric guitars to a PS3 or Xbox to small candies and gifts for the kids.

“Dave & Buster’s is all about a fun, interactive atmosphere. We know our guests have a fantastic time when they are here. We can tell just by the look on someone’s face when they win 1,000 tickets,” McCormick said. “When we put this type of entertainment out there, they have a blast with it.”

As much as Dave &Buster’s caters to families, it’s also a late-night hangout for the young adult crowd or parents looking for some fun without their children. After a 10 p.m. “kiddie call,” or curfew for anyone under the age of 21, the place becomes an adult playground where they can hang out and interact with their friends, McCormick said. And with a 2 a.m. closing time on Fridays and Saturdays (midnight Sundays through Thursdays), adults get plenty of time to eat, drink and party.

“You don’t have to go to a movie theater and out to dinner again,” McCormick said. “Why pull out your credit card several times each night when you can do everything at one place? We’ve got everything they could want: a restaurant, sports bar and entertainment.”

Sports fans should feel right at home at Dave & Buster’s. They can cheer on their favorite teams on 65-inch TVs in the bar and 80-inch screens in the restaurant. Guests watching the Bears at the Orland Park location can play the Watch and Win game in the bar. When the Bears score or complete whatever task an employee chooses, a name is drawn to spin a wheel for prizes that could include free food, the whole bar getting a percentage off their bill, a table getting free dessert, t-shirts, or other prizes.

“The game is great fun for everyone in the bar, even if they are not there to watch football or they’ve been dragged along by their husband or boyfriend. They can still have fun interacting with the crowd, too,” McCormick said.

Two of the many things that make Dave & Buster’s more than just an arcade are what McCormick calls the “FUN”ction or party rooms. These flexible rooms can be rented for birthday parties, holiday gatherings or any other special event. They are equipped for business meetings/luncheons with an 80” TV and a projector, connections for laptops, iPhones or iPads, and presentation capabilities.

“These rooms allow you to separate yourself from the rest of the building if you want to, but there’s so much going on at Dave & Buster’s that you’re going to want to be involved in everything,” McCormick said. “We have continued fun on a daily basis. Where else can you go for that?”

McCormick is excited about being in Orland Park. Like McLaughlin, McCormick said the location, next to the mall, is perfect location because it’s right in the heart of everything.

For more information, visit www.daveandbusters.com.www.daveandbusters.com

Hope, empowerment for parents ...

Editor’s Note: Family Time Magazine is pleased to welcome our new blogger, Greg Zibricky whose 19-year-old son Aaron suffers from autism. Zibricky is the president of Provider Group Wealth Advisors and the author of “F.A.M.I.L.Y. Autism Guide: Your Financial Blueprint.” Zibricky’s blog posts will hopefully be a valuable resource for parents of children with autism and related disorders. Family Time Magazine will host its annual Autism & Special Needs Seminar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. The event will feature expert speakers, as well as offer participants the latest research, cutting-edge therapies, strategies for coping and networking opportunities. Zibricky will be one of the many exhibitors on hand at the event to provide a wealth of information about autism and special needs. For more information about the seminar, visit www.familytimemagazine.com or call us at (815) 806-8844. We hope to see you there!

-       

     Rex Robinson

Managing Editor

Family Time Magazine

Greg Zibricky

My Son Aaron

Hope and Empowerment for Families 

of Autistic Children

By Greg Zibricky

As I pen this first blog installment regarding parenting a child with autism I can’t stop thinking about the progress made and the many challenges that lie ahead.

Since my son’s diagnosis 15 years ago the incidence rate for autism has skyrocketed from 1 in 500 to a startling 1 in 88. Awareness has increased as well. National autism organizations, regional not-for-profit organizations and grass root parent groups have worked tirelessly to bring our plight into the mainstream. Films, bestselling books and television shows have featured characters and story lines showcasing the spectrum of developmental disabilities.

Is it really different now?

Is it “better”?

The goal over the next several months is to share ideas, resources and success stories. The focus will be empowerment while pursuing avenues to help our children meet the future with pride and self-respect.

All of us are concerned with our children’s future. Where will they live, work, play and worship? In my financial practice I use an acrostic, F.A.M.I.L.Y., to convey difficult concepts and future planning concerns to assist families navigate money, insurance and legal issues. I’ll share key elements and strategies.

My son has benefited greatly by having a mom who is a nurse, active in the disability community her whole career. Young parents who are dealt the challenges shared by my family have a hard enough time without having a medical of financial background.    

What about unplanned events and spontaneous invitations that look like fun? They are inevitably met with a stern “I don’t want to go”. Social awkwardness and knowing the inside joke won’t be understood can be frustrating. We want our kids to be fully accepted by their peers. But wait a second. That’s on me, my problem! Raise the bar Greg, refuse to accept self-imposed limitations and accept my son for who he is. Many, many times I have repeated that message to myself.

What about the school experience? Dealing with stress, bullies, teachers who don’t “get it”, Individualized Education Plans, Transition issues……….YIKES!

What about high school, college or a specialty school?  Options are emerging at a rapid pace.  We’ll stay tuned in. 

The Affordable Health Care Act, known by many as ObamaCare, gives kids like mine in the autism community access to health care and essential services. Unfortunately this progress may be punted away like a political football. Austerity measures and budget cuts loom, and they always seems to impact the disability community disproportionately.

What are the trends in housing and employment?

Besides personal antidotes I will interview thought leaders in a wide range of disciplines that work towards creating a brighter future through research and discovery. 

My son Aaron will introduce himself and share insight to help other families looking for guidance.

Maybe the rest of the Zibricky’s will want to jump in too!

See you next month. 

Greg Zibricky’s book,“F.A.M.I.L.Y. Autism Guide: Your Financial Blueprint for Autism,” is available at amazon.com. E-mail him at Greg@providergroup.com.

Annual Chicago Air and Water Show

By Elizabeth Buczak - Editorial Intern

It’s that time again!!!! Chicago’s oldest show, attracting millions of tourists and spectators each year, is flying into town! As the city cools off with a string of 70-degree weather, it might be the coolest Air and Water Show that North Avenue Beach has ever seen. The FREE event, presented by Shell Oil Products U.S, can be viewed at North Avenue Beach and along the lakefront from Fullerton Street to Oak Street, August 18-19, 2012. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and close off at 3 p.m., with no shortage of attractions! This years headliners are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs, as well as performances by the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Bill Stein Airshows Zivko Edge 540 and much more!

While most people just gaze up at the sky, why not use this time for some pleasure mixed with fun?? There are a ton of things to do in the city while watching the show. The beach has a sweet set up for those fit and active volleyball players. A jog or a bike ride could be exciting if you avoid the crowds right by the beach. For the romantics, a blanket goes hand-in-hand with a picnic basket for an eventful lunch date. For those attending with families, Lincoln Park Zoo offers a lot to keep the children entertained while you watch the aircrafts whizz by. Sightseeing at Navy Pier or Millennium Park might not obstruct the view a bit, but if you are new to the city, it could be well worth the trip! 

Finding parking in the city can be a hassle on normal days and with so many people coming into the city to attend the show, we highly discourage driving.  If you must drive, we advise you to leave extra early as to avoid a cluster of traffic. Millennium Garages are offering all-day parking for $35 with a free shuttle bus to North Avenue Beach. The Lincoln Park/ North Avenue Beach parking lot just off Lake Shore Drive is also offering a limited amount of parking. For those of you trying to save a buck or two, the CTA 151, 156, 22 or 36 busses will do the trick.  The Brown Line with a stop at Sedgewick also will get you to your destination, sans the stress.