Streamwood, Bartlett celebrate opening of new video gaming cafés

Local officials gathered last week to celebrate the grand openings of new Shelby's video gaming cafés in Streamwood and Bartlett.

The two ribbon cutting ceremonies - held July 14 at Shelby's Streamwood, 1586 Buttitta Drive, and July 15 at Shelby's Bartlett, 801 S. Route 59 - brought village presidents, trustees and staff members, chamber of commerce officials, police and fire chiefs and other local business leaders.

"Shelby's is a safe, local entertainment option that we're excited to have as a part of our community," Village President Billie Roth said. "We're confident our residents will enjoy the warm, inviting environment and neighborhood feel."

Since video gaming came to Streamwood last year, more than $60,000 in tax revenue has been generated for the village. In Bartlett, gaming has brought in nearly $187,000 in tax revenue since 2012.

Officials said beyond the revenues, other benefits of video gaming cafés include generating additional foot traffic for surrounding businesses, filling empty storefronts, creating jobs and serving as a destination location for residents in nearby towns.

With a menu that includes items like mini bratwursts, burgers, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and wine and beer, along with non-alcoholic beverages - and a welcoming décor that Charity Johns, Chief Operating Officer of Shelby's parent company Laredo Hospitality, describes as "vintage farm house" - Bartlett Chamber of Commerce President Nan Gudenkauf said she was pleasantly surprised by Shelby's.

"It's not what I expected," she said. "I'm very impressed. It seems very upscale; this could not be less like a bar."

Bartlett Village President Kevin Wallace complimented Shelby's "very comfortable setting and classy decorations."

Laredo also operates Stella's Place, which has a location in Bartlett at 1015 W. Stearns Road. Johns said the company's focus is on being the best possible community partner and following its driving principle of genuine hospitality.

"We're creating jobs, and we focus on hiring people who are involved in the community," Johns said. "We want our customers to feel comfortable and at home."