Friday afternoon while I was taking my son to a friend’s home in Lake in the Hills, I drove past the new Lou Malnati’s.

You could tell it was open by more than the sign.

There were cars in the parking lot on Ackman Road in Lakewood.

By the time I returned to take overnight supplies for a sleepover, the parking lot was packed.

Perhaps reservations are in order for this destination restaurant.

The opening appears to be about a week later than planned.