Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what you have and giving back what you’ve received.
Executive Chef and Owner of Olenjack’s Grille, Brian Olenjack, is giving diners a healthy meal and an appreciation for Arlington on Thanksgiving Day with a Texas Turkey.
For $30, guests can expect to feast on healthy, gourmet Southern cuisine. The menu includes spicy butter-glazed turkey, Texas-style potato hash with wild mushrooms, shrimp and creamy grits and poblano pepper pot roast, among other dishes.
“Almost everything has local Texas ingredients and flavors with a twist,” Olenjack said.
Before Arlington, Olenjack worked at a fine dining restaurant serving brunch on Thanksgiving Day. To his surprise, families flocked to the restaurant. He decided to host a Thanksgiving Day buffet when he opened Olenjack’s Grille in Lincoln Square 5 years ago.
“I was amazed and shocked people didn’t stay at home and cook. The first year, we had 250 people. It was a success!” Olenjack marveled.
Olenjack is most thankful for the health of his family this Thanksgiving season. The friendly Chicago-native has a warm appreciation for Texas and has made it a part of his life. He wanted to open Olenjack’s Grille in a family-oriented community and he chose Arlington.
“I love Texas for the great weather and the mix of people. Arlington was the perfect fit. I’m proud to be here,” he said earnestly.
Olenjack is pleased with Arlington because of the nearby Cowboys stadium, which brings good business and people to the restaurant, and because of the support he’s received from the community.
“The community is very close-knit. Arlington is a large town, but everyone knows each other,” he said.
Olenjack hosts cooking classes and donates meals, supports local charities and volunteers for the Girls & Boys Club and Levitt Pavilion. He’s closely connected to Arlington and is committed to giving back.
“What I found [in Arlington] is that everyone supports their neighbor and gives back to the community. I believe that you receive what you give. It’s not only matter of goodwill, but also a matter of being good human beings,” he said.
Pictures: Top: Executive Chef Brian Olenjack; Bottom Left: Olenjack’s restaurant dining room; Bottom Right: Shrimp and creamy grits with mustard greens will be served with the Thanksgiving buffet
Article by Emma Mujica
Photos by Rasy Ran
