West Cook News

La Grange Liquor Commission met July 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

A special meeting of the La Grange Liquor Commission was called to order at 6:51 p.m. by Liquor Commissioner Thomas Livingston.

Present and constituting a quorum were Liquor Commissioner Thomas Livingston, Commissioner Mark Langan and Commissioner Mark Kuchler.

Absent: None.

Also present: Village Manager Robert Pilipiszyn, Assistant Village Manager Andrianna Peterson, Executive Assistant Erica Stewart and Village Attorney Mark Burkland.

2. Approval of the Minutes

It was moved by Commissioner Langan and seconded by Commissioner Kuchler to approve the minutes of June 13, 2016, as submitted. The motion carried on a voice vote.

3. Liquor License Request Class A-2 - West Burlington LLC d/b/a Barrel House Social of La Grange

Commissioner Livingston asked Assistant Village Manager Andrianna Peterson to introduce the applicant, and to provide an overview of the liquor license application.

The Village has received an application for a Class A-2 liquor license for West Burlington LLC d/b/a Barrel House Social of La Grange at 100 W. Burlington. James and Kristine Blessing each own 49 percent of the company, and CloudNine Restaurant Group Inc. owns 2 percent. Kristine Blessing is the Liquor Manager.

Mr. Blessing stated that they currently own other restaurants, including Pints in Elmhurst. The Blessings have been looking in La Grange for a location for an additional restaurant for some time, due to the vibrancy of the downtown and area demographics. Barrel House Social of La Grange will be an upscale casual, family restaurant featuring lunch and dinner service.

Mr. Blessing stated that they plan to work within the existing footprint to remodel the restaurant and are considering a four season room for a portion of the outdoor space for private parties. The concept may also include a plan for a retractable roof.

Commissioner Kuchler asked the Blessings about parking concerns, to which they indicated that they do not foresee a problem given the various parking options. Commissioner Livingston noted that the Village encourages ongoing feedback from business owners.

Commissioner Kuchler asked the Blessings if they had any concerns with meeting the 60% food to 40% alcohol ratio. Mrs. Blessing stated that they do not have any concerns. At Pints their ratio is approximately 50% food to 50% alcohol and Barrel House Social will be a different concept with more of a focus on food. Specialty non-alcoholic drinks will also be featured.

Commissioner Langan asked the Blessings about their potential opening date to which Mr. Blessing responded that they are targeting November, 2016.

President Livingston thanked the applicants for their investment in La Grange.

After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Langan and seconded by Commissioner Kuchler that the Liquor Commission recommends: (a) that the Village Board of Trustees creates one new Class A-2 Liquor License and (b) that the Liquor Commissioner issues that license to West Burlington LLC d/b/a Barrel House Social of La Grange located at 100 W. Burlington Avenue. Motion carried.

President Livingston stated that the recommendation for approval would be made to the Village Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting on August 22, 2016.

4. Other Business

Ms. Peterson reported that the organizers of the West End Art Festival on behalf of Vino e Birra have asked for permission to offer complimentary wine tastings paired with food as a part of The Art of Food cooking demonstrations at the event. The hours of the tastings would be from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Vino e Birra also asked if they would be able to sell bottles of wine featured in the tasting / food pairing event. No sales of wine by the glass would be provided by Vino e Birra as sales of beer and wine by the glass will be conducted through the event's caterer, Palmer Place.

After discussion, the Commission looked favorably upon the request from Vino e Birra and determined that the request will be handled through a Temporary Caterers license under Section G (2) of the Liquor Code. The license is valid for one function in a 12 month period and is issued by the Liquor Commissioner.

Ms. Peterson also updated the Commission on the status of the FY 2016/17 liquor license process and the status of the opening of several businesses that were previously issued liquor licenses.

5. Adjournment

It was moved by Commissioner Langan and seconded by Commissioner Kuchler that the meeting of the Liquor Commission be adjourned. The motion carried on a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

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