Schaumburg Kuma's Corner enjoying early success

Kuma's Corner is off to a headbanging start in Schaumburg, outselling the heavy-metal-themed burger restaurant's two Chicago locations combined on its opening day last Wednesday.

“It's been awesome!” said Director of Operations Ron Cain. “We've had a lot of Kuma's regulars out there already.”

The first suburban Kuma's Corner is located in a 3,529-square-foot space in the easternmost outlot building of the Woodfield Green Shopping Center — directly across Golf Road from Woodfield Mall.

The restaurant threw a welcome-to-the-neigbhborhood party for itself by treating its new business neighbors to samplings of its menu when it moved in.

Like any new business, there are some bugs that need to be worked out, Cain said. Chief among them in this hot, humid summer has been the way the kitchen heats up the restaurant. He's been relying on an increased number of fans while working on a more permanent solution.

The original Kuma's Corner at 2900 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago will celebrate its 10th anniversary in August. Under the direction of founder Mike Cain — Ron's brother — it established the company identity with its grungy feel, less-than-polite wait staff and an emphasis on a gourmet food selection and locally brewed beers.

Since the company began expanding two years ago, about the only change has been a slightly greater emphasis on service, Ron Cain said.