Fat Edd’s Roadhouse and Cordavino’s Italian Kitchen proudly serve unique fare and one-of-a-kind dishes in Metropolis, IL.
Co-owners Darren Tockstein and Corey Bowman decided to jump on the opportunity to purchase the former Willy Jack’s and transform it into Fat Edd’s in 2012. Both owners are local to Metropolis and are dedicated to giving back to the town they call home through delicious restaurant food. Darren and Corey worked under the owner of Willy Jack’s for years and learned the business of running and managing restaurants and bars. When the opportunity arose to purchase Willy Jack’s, Darren and Corey decided to go into business together. They purchased the building and added a restaurant, Fat’s Edd’s Roadhouse.
Serving up a variety of roadhouse style food, Fat Edd’s is known for their peel & eat shrimp, half-pound burgers and laid-back atmosphere. This local establishment has something for everyone, as it also serves buffalo wings, a variety of chicken sandwiches, kabobs, Philly cheesesteaks, barbecue, and more. It’s a go-to for the locals and a great find for tourists. The restaurant also offers an event space on the second floor of the building, which can seat approximately 100 people. In the past, guests have booked the banquet space for weddings, school reunions, birthday parties, Christmas parties, and other special occasions in a one-of-a-kind venue. This year, Fat Edd’s Roadhouse is celebrating 9 years of business.
In 2016, Darren and Corey decided to purchase another building in Metropolis and opened Cordavino’s Italian Kitchen in 2017. This restaurant serves Italian cuisine, including traditional pizza and pasta dishes. While traveling, Corey ate at a restaurant that offered food served on a hot, black rock grill. When the restaurant discontinued the black rock grill, Corey knew it was a feature he wanted to see continue and bring to Metropolis. The Black Rock Grill Menu became an expansion of Cordavino’s Italian Kitchen in 2020 and has been a hit. Guests can choose their choice of steak or seafood and watch it cook on a 775° stone. It’s a fun treat as guests watch their food sizzle as it heats up and cooks on the hot stone, right at the comfort of their table. Whether you’re craving steak, seafood, pasta, or pizza, Cordavino’s makes for a great date night, a family-friendly dining experience, and a fun night out with friends.
“Each restaurant offers a unique experience. They are not your typical dine-in restaurants. Fat Edd’s is a casual place where the entire family can gather, and Cordavino’s serves up quality food through a lively atmosphere,” says Darren, co-owner of Fat Edd’s Roadhouse and Cordavino’s Italian Grill. “We are glad that our restaurants offer something for everyone, from locals to tourists. It’s common for people to stop in as they’re traveling or make a special trip from Kentucky, Illinois, and even Indiana to dine with us.”
Fat Edd’s and Cordavino’s offer a unique dining experience for all and are open for dine-in service. If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy Valentine’s Day, reservations are recommended for Cordavino’s, and tables can be booked by calling (618) 309-6111.
