New Palatine restaurants prepare to open as others close

Palatine's restaurant scene has resembled a revolving door as of late, with several eateries set to open following the closure of several more.

Many looking to get their fix of some of the better chips, salsa and margaritas around were disappointed to learn Toreo Restaurant at 383 W. Northwest Highway had closed its doors about six weeks ago.

But new owner Teresa Nevarez has stepped in with plans to open El Torero in its place, giving the space a fresher look with new paint and minor renovations while serving the same Mexican cuisine.

The news pleased Palatine officials at Monday's meeting, with the village council unanimously approving the new restaurant and liquor license.

Further north, officials gave the go-ahead to a Mediterranean restaurant called Pita Pita, which will open in the former Quiznos location at 1278 E. Dundee Road in the Woodcraft Plaza.

“I don't see any Mediterranean restaurant in Palatine,” owner Jaber Sahtout of Buffalo Grove said. “It would be great for me and all the community.”

Concerns that the shopping center will have just 167 parking spaces instead of the required 192 were allayed when Village Manager Reid Ottesen pointed out that one of the neighboring retailers is a catering businesses that utilizes few spots.

Alcohol won't be served at the establishment, with Sahtout saying the focus will be on classic dishes such as chicken shwarama.

Down the street at 279 W. Dundee Road, a restaurant is changing hands for the third or fourth time in just the last few years. Angel's Cafe will become Angel's Tacos, with no liquor license requested and no proposed changes to business operation.

Finally, the council unanimously decreased the number of late liquor licenses in Palatine following last month's closure of Idol's Sports Bar at Rand and Dundee. The owner's license was revoked because he was convicted of a felony, which is prohibited by village code.