HM INTERVIEW | Branko Palikuca
Local restaurateur and owner of Topaz in Burr Ridge, Branko Palikuca
TOPAZ
Branko Palikuca’s Burr Ridge gemstone by Elizabeth Kelly | Photography by Daniel Garcia
Branko Palikuca, a Chicago-based restaurateur, has established a trio of restaurants in the Chicago suburbs, and a downtown spot, The Dawson, which he co-owns with Billy Lawless. Immigrating from Yugoslavia in 1988, Palikuca took lessons learned from his restaurant-owning grandfather and experience in different Chicago eateries to create the Amber Café in Westmont, Topaz in Burr Ridge and Citrine in Oak Park. Beginning as a civil engineer, Palikuca took the risk of going into the restaurant business, when he found that his true passion was caring for people within the hospitality industry. Humbly, he owes his success to the people of Chicagoland and his team members, many of whom have worked with him for over a decade. With an emphasis on teamwork and making sure each customer’s needs are met, Palikuca has established the Gemstone Café Group.
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