Stella's Place casino cafe wins approval in Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich trustees have approved a special liquor license for a casino cafe planned for the village's far south side.
As part of package of approvals granted with one vote, the village board's thumbs-up Monday night will allow Stella's Place to serve alcohol in a building space between Walgreens and a cleaners at Courtyard of Lake Zurich, on the southwest corner of Rand and Cuba roads. Stella's is operated by Des Plaines-based Laredo Hospitality Ventures.
Similar to competitors such as Dotty's Cafe, Stella's touts a projected clientele that's 60 percent women from 35 to 75 years old. Before Monday night's village board session, Laredo Vice President of Operations Charity Johns told the Daily Herald that Stella's may open in early May, based on a conservative estimate.
Johns said Lardeo was required to start building in the mall space before seeking the special liquor license for Stella's. She said the company looks forward to operating in Lake Zurich.
"The demographics are strong, for sure," Johns said.
In addition to light food and beverages, Stella's has a rotation of casino slot and video poker games.
Roughly 150 casino cafes are operating in 73 Illinois towns, according to the Illinois Retail Gaming Operators Association. Association officials say the 700 machines at the gambling cafes have generated about $211 million for the state since becoming legal in 2013.
Video gambling is permitted in bars, restaurants, truck stops and fraternal orders in communities where it has been approved. Each establishment is limited to five machines, and they must be in areas accessible only to people at least 21 years old.
Five percent of net revenue goes to a municipality and 25 percent to the state, with the terminal operator and licensed establishment splitting the remainder. In addition, Lake Zurich gets a $2,500 per-location fee for an annual special video gambling liquor license. State law limits the village to charging a $25 annual fee on each machine.
In April 2014, the Lake Zurich village board reversed a previous position and decided to allow video gaming.