Wick ‘N Ore Kitchen & Tap opened in Aug 2022 as a rebranded interpretation of a local foothold, The Claim Company. We were the Vernon Hills branch of the, at the time, two store franchise and were located with an independent entrance at the Vernon Hills Hawthorne Mall.

We’ve had a long journey. To those who haven’t been along through it all the name and our roots may still be confusing. We understand; so let’s take a step back to our past and to who we were, The Claim Company. The Claim Company was originally a southwest gold mining themed dining experience and spanned locations all over the Chicago and Chicagoland area including locations in Chicago, Northbrook, Oak brook and eventually our current stomping grounds of Vernon Hills.

Dating back to the early 1970s with the founder Jim Errant, The Claim Company had seen various amounts of success and local acclaim spanning years and across generations of families. After the initial closing of the restaurant chain in 1997 due to unforeseen events, the concept was revived by our owner and partners in 2009 with a new opening in Northbrook. As time continued a second location branched off and opened in Vernon Hills in 2016 and we are a descendant from that location.

Looking to take the coziness and hospitality from our roots we aimed to elevate and sophisticate our image with a reimagining of what The Claim Company could be. We wanted to expand what we could do and what we could offer for a new generation and bring ourselves firmly into the 21st century. Paying homage to our legacy is how our name came to be and we wish to continue to honor that legacy with good food that puts you in a good mood and a welcoming and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like you are at home.

We have a lot owed to our past, but we never want to be stuck there. So thank you for being there with us then, if you’ve been along for the ride, or thanks for finding us as of late and we appreciate you joining us as we step into the future.