Concept
Simple EJ’s Kitchen & Tap is a family-friendly sports bar and scratch-cooking restaurant located at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, Illinois, opening Spring 2026. The 6,149-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests and features a 22-foot LED video wall, indoor stadium-energy bar seating, and an outdoor patio with a retractable pergola. The concept brings Michelin Bib Gourmand-quality scratch cooking to a high-energy sports bar setting in the Fox Valley community.
Founders
Simple EJ’s was co-founded by Erik Baylis and Executive Chef Jim Heflin, two hospitality industry veterans with a combined 50 years of experience. Erik Baylis brings over 20 years in restaurant operations through Big Onion Hospitality Group. Chef Jim Heflin brings over 25 years of culinary experience, including his tenure as Vice President of Culinary overseeing the menu programs for more than 45 restaurant locations.
Food
The menu is built around scratch-made cooking, including the signature Smash Burger — a custom beef blend seared crispy and smothered in American cheese, Coca-Cola onions, house pickles, and Simple Sauce on a butter-toasted brioche bun. The full menu includes starters, salads, plates, kids’ meals, brunch, and desserts. The restaurant serves St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, South Elgin, Elgin, and broader Kane County, Illinois.