Video gambling restaurant approved in Streamwood

A new restaurant is coming to Streamwood, and it will be the first of its kind to open in the village.

Village Manager Gary O'Rourke said the village board unanimously approved a proposal last week for Dotty's to move into a space at 229 E. Irving Park Road that was recently vacated by Bo Mei Chinese Restaurant, a long-standing, family-run business.

Dotty's chief executive officer Dan Fischer said at a village board meeting last month that the company has more than 150 locations on the West Coast. He described the restaurant as a “50s-style country kitchen” that serves a full breakfast, lunch and dinner with a self-imposed four-drink maximum.

The restaurant will also be the first new establishment in town to have video gambling terminals.

In June, the village board approved an ordinance lifting a ban the village had on video gambling devices since 2004. The decision came about after the neighboring communities of Bartlett, Hanover Park, Elgin and Hoffman Estates started to allow video gambling terminals.

According to the Illinois State Gaming Board website, as of Sept. 20, Chicago Loop Sports Bar and Grill and Streamwood Bowl are the only two pending applicants in Streamwood.

O'Rourke said another new business with video gaming has expressed interest in opening a location in Streamwood, but an application has not been submitted to the village yet.