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Ex-pro wrestler to open sports bar in Elgin

The former Streets of Chicago in Elgin is set to reopen as D Hangout Bar and Grill next week, but plans for a piano bar in the lower level are still up in the air.

The eatery at 550 S. McLean Blvd. received approval to operate as a sports bar and grill on the first floor, which is being updated with new flooring, paint and granite bar countertops, along with about 30 flat screen TVs, owner Mike Deol said.

The building was built in 1973 as Dieterle’s Restaurant Lounge, followed by various eateries over the years. The building has been vacant since 2011.

If D Hangout passes final health and building inspections today, the grand opening will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 3, Deol said. An outdoor patio in the rear of the building should open next summer, he said.

Deol, 44, is a former professional wrestler whose ring name was Killer Khalsa Sing. He also appeared in the 2002 movie “Bollywood/Hollywood.”

He mostly performed with Windy City Pro Wrestling and the former World Wrestling All-Stars, and took part in two World Wrestling Entertainment matches, he said. His career ended after a back injury in 2004, he said.

Deol and his partners Noel Lara, Jose Arboleda Jr. and Florentino Delcarmen are leasing the Elgin property. All are friends and neighbors who reside in Streamwood, Deol said.

“This is a great location. Elgin needs a new bar in town, and this is the perfect opportunity,” he said. “We’re very excited.”

The property needs 39 additional parking spaces, in addition to the current 112, to operate the piano bar in the underground level, according to city code.

One solution would be to offer valet parking at another property on McLean Boulevard owned by landlord Heidner Properties, Deol said.

Elgin’s zoning code doesn’t have provisions regarding valet parking, but it states that shared off-site parking must be located within 400 feet.

The Heidner property is 600 feet away, said Deol, who said he’s been waiting to hear from the city if the arrangement would be approved.

Valet parking as proposed by Deol might be doable, but staff members have to do further research, Elgin Community Development Director Marc Mylott said. The holiday period delayed a response, which should come in a week or two, he said.

“I understand (Deol) wants to use the full amount the building. We’re going to do all we can to let him do that, because we want him to be successful as well,” Mylott said. “At the same time, we have to make sure it doesn’t create problems over there.”

Deol also said he approached Colonial Cafe & Ice Cream next door about possibly sharing parking, but he’s still waiting for a response. A representative of Colonial Cafe declined to comment.

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