Fox Valley Park District Set to Open The Orchard Social

The Fox Valley Park District will officially open The Orchard Social to the public on Friday, Aug. 14, inviting residents and visitors to experience a completely reimagined restaurant, bar and patio overlooking Orchard Valley Golf Course.

The Orchard Social will be open for dinner service Wednesday through Saturday, and extended lunch on Sunday until the golf course reopens on Saturday, Sept. 5. The temporary hours are as follows:

Wednesday/Thursday: Kitchen 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Bar 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday/Saturday: Kitchen 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Bar 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: Kitchen 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Bar 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday/Tuesday: Closed.

Dinner reservations can be made at orchardvalleygolf.com or by calling 630-907-0500. Walk-ins are also accepted as availability allows; no reservations are needed for bar service. Created as part of the extensive renovation of the Orchard Valley property, The Orchard Social was designed to be much more than a golfer's clubhouse. Featuring panoramic views of the championship course, a refreshed menu, expanded indoor and outdoor seating, private event spaces and a warm, modern atmosphere, the restaurant welcomes everyone—from golfers finishing a round to neighbors gathering for dinner, drinks or a night out with friends.

"That vision was at the heart of the renovation," says FVPD Executive Director Jen Paprocki. "We want to make sure that Orchard Valley feels welcoming to everybody." The restaurant represents a new chapter for Orchard Valley, helping residents see the property as more than a place to play golf. "The result is a destination unlike anything else in the Aurora area," Paprocki says.

A new look inside

Inside, guests will find a darker, earth-toned interior inspired by the natural surroundings, highlighted by floor-to-ceiling glass "curtain walls" overlooking the 18th hole, see-through fireplaces and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces that create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and comfortable.

"We tried to pull a color palette that blends nicely with the natural landscape with some eye-popping features like the bar tiles and fireplaces," Paprocki says. The 194-seat venue features multiple indoor and outdoor dining areas, private event spaces, a full-service bar, an expanded patio with a fireplace, 17 televisions and an integrated sound system, making it equally suited for casual dinners, celebrations, business gatherings or watching the big game.

The Orchard Social is managed by Troon Golf, the world's largest golf course management and hospitality company. Orchard Valley General Manager Ben Nachtwey says the completed project exceeded expectations. "This is a place where we want the golfer and non-golfer to come in and be part of the new vibe," Nachtwey says. "It's going to be comfort, casual, quality — whatever you're looking for, we can meet you there."

Bountiful menu selections for all tastes

Executive Chef Gail Huesmann, who has helped open 11 restaurants throughout her career, describes the concept as "upscale casual with a sport element thrown in." Menus feature everything from smash burgers and comfort food favorites to elevated dinner selections, alongside signature cocktails, classic drinks and rotating microbrews. "I want the menus to appeal to as many people as possible," Huesmann says. "We'll have cocktails and cuisine that are not common in the Aurora area."

Built for every occasion

Even before opening its doors, The Orchard Social has booked birthday parties, baby showers, book clubs and other private events, reinforcing the Park District's vision of creating a year-round community gathering place. For Nachtwey, that's the greatest accomplishment of the project. "It was a great collaboration of everybody's talents," he says. "The result, in my opinion, is nothing less than spectacular."

Whether guests are enjoying dinner on the patio, gathering with friends for drinks, celebrating a special occasion or simply taking in a sunset over the 18th hole, Paprocki hopes they'll find more than just a meal. "It's going to be an experience – a place people are going to want to come back to because of how it looks, feels and the way they're treated."

Orchard Valley Golf Course will begin accepting tee time reservations on Saturday, Aug 22. Visit orchardvalleygolf.com or call 630-907-0500 to book your tee time, which can be reserved two weeks in advance of the round.

The Orchard Social Set to Open on Friday, Aug. 14; Orchard Valley Golf Course Ready for Public Play on Sept. 5