Mount Prospect restaurants get liquor licenses

The Mount Prospect Village board approved two new liquor licenses this week for restaurants. Yupin Thai Kitchen is at 1652 W. Algonquin Road, and M I Restaurant at 1742 E. Kensington Road.

Yupin is named for owner Douglas Stewart's wife, Yupin, who is also the chef.

“I have been married to the chef for 28 years,” Stewart told the village board. “I've had her food for that long, and it's been wonderful. It's time to share it with everybody else.”

Yupin's license provides for the sale of beer and wine at tables. The restaurant, which opened in April and is on the former site of Little Bangkok, does not currently serve alcohol.

Stewart said he and his wife do not have experience serving alcohol, and have agreed to complete a certified liquor servers' training course prior to getting the license.

“I don't drink personally,” he said, “but I also don't wish to stop others from drinking.”

M I Restaurant will offer full service of alcohol at dining tables only. The Mexican restaurant has been in operation since 2010 and owner Juan Perez said he wants to enhance his menu with Mexican-themed drinks.