Sonny's Hideaway Brings 'Fresh Start' to Former Marty's Spot

Derek Lyons, owner of the soon-to-open Sonny's Hideaway at 5137 York Boulevard, has spent a large portion of his life working in restaurants.

They were always temporary gigs, though--bookends to his careers in real estate and music video production.

"I always looked at it as a way to fill the gaps," he said.

It wasn't until 2009, when he stepped onto the floor of a dining room during one of those breaks, that he realized restaurant work wasn't filling the gaps in his life; it was his life.

"I realized that all the experiences I had working in restaurants was grooming me to become a successful restaurateur," he said.

Lyons' years of experience are scheduled to culminate on Friday, April 26, when Sonny's Hideaway will open its doors to the public.

On Wednesday afternoon, though, his restaurant dream was still very much a work in progress.

Construction crews were hard at work inside the former location of HPK, Cafe Lobos and Marty's.

Designer Wade Robinson of Highland Park-based contractor Wade-Co helped Lyons developed the interior theme for Sonny's Hideaway, which will consist of two distinct "vignettes."

The dining area will feature dark, rich wood paneling and red Naugahyde booths. The bar will have the feel of an industrial loft, with the designer utilizing only wood, glass and metal for materials.

Lyons said that diners at Sonny's Hideaway will be treated to a menu "comfort cuisine," which chef Jimmy Everett helped to develop.

Menu items will include fried sweetbreads, bone marrow hash and coffee rubbed pork cheeks and other high-cuisine twists on classic American dishes. 

"When I make a menu, I think about the things that I want to eat," Everett said. "That's what makes an amazing meal, food that gives you that feeling of home."

Lyons purchased the York Boulevard building in September, and he said he's aware that Rudy Martinez's series of eateries at the location struggled to establish a foothold.

Nevertheless, he said he believes he's establish a winning team.

"We've gotten a lot of great feedback from the community. This is a great place and we think we can be a valuable addition to the boulevard," Lyons said. "This is a completely fresh start, and the best chance of success rest on the shoulders of the people involved."