Showdown at Naperville's Show-Me's
If it were up to a select group of Naperville residents, the “show” would be over before it even begins.
Roughly 30 people, many of whom were young children, lined Ogden Avenue Friday afternoon in front of the proposed Show-Me's location to protest the possible addition of the sports bar and restaurant to the city.
“Stop the Show!” they chanted into a megaphone at passing cars. And “Don't show me!”
The protesters, many of whom live in the neighborhood just south of the former Famous Dave's at 1126 E. Ogden Ave., say the restaurant and it's scantily clad servers, called “Show-Me's Girls” have no place in Naperville.
“This used to be a family-friendly community and a great place to raise children,” protest leader George Isaac said. “And it still can be as long as Mayor (George) Pradel forbids this liquor license and blocks this establishment from corrupting our city.”
Joyce Sliwinski said she does not believe the establishment represents “what Naperville's main corridor should be.”
He daughter Emma, 14, was a bit more outspoken when the megaphone got passed her way.
“I've lived here my whole life, all 14 years,” she shouted. “All 14 years, and I don't want to see these drunks and strippers in my community.”
A Show-Me's representative, who declined to comment on the record Friday, said franchise President Ron Cote is keeping quiet so as not to interfere with the city's licensing process. He said many people have the wrong idea about what goes on in the restaurant.
“I've seen all I need to see about what goes on in that place on its website,” said resident Cheryl Bucaro.
City Manager Doug Krieger said the decision ultimately will rest with Pradel in his role as liquor commissioner.
But Show-Me's may be hard to deny. Krieger said the proposed location was zoned for restaurant use in 1980, has more parking than code requires and the owners aren't asking for any variances to the property. The owners also have promised to obey the city's clothing requirements for servers.
Krieger said Show-Me's has not applied for an entertainment permit, necessary for any live performances and dancing.
“Really they can be ready to go pending the liquor license, fingerprinting and background checks of the applicant,” Krieger said. “Once those are satisfied and our code officer issues an occupancy permit, there's little to stand in their way.”
Residents will once again get to weigh in during a special public hearing called before the city's next liquor commission meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at city hall.