With cap lifted, Wheeling hearing from video gambling interests
It didn't take long.
Just a couple of months after Wheeling lifted its cap on video gambling cafes, two businesses are seeking approval to open the establishments in the village.
In 2014, Wheeling officials limited the number of gambling cafes to three, in part because of concerns that the businesses could have negative effects on the community. They lifted the cap in April.
The two proposals set for a vote at Monday's village board meeting include a new concept and an establishment already familiar to the village.
Owners of May's Lounge, who opened locations in Lake Zurich and Hickory Hills earlier this year, are proposing a video gambling cafe at the former Wingstop restaurant, 280 E. Dundee Road. The "high-end, luxury, upscale" cafe will serve tapas, craft beer and wine, May's representative Angela Atamian told the village's plan commission last week.
It's a concept that could become even more familiar to suburban residents. The owners plan to open a second cafe in Wheeling, as well as locations in Niles, Streamwood, Bartlett, Addison, South Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows and Mundelein, according to the company's website.
"We're really after people who appreciate the upscale and luxury vibe that we've built," Atamian said. "We find that people really like that."
The plan commission apparently liked it, too, recommending the project on a 5-1 vote. Board member Donald Johnson opposed the plan.
"I'm a little concerned we're started to get overloaded with these," Johnson said, pointing out that a Stella's Place video gambling cafe already operates across the street.
Stella's Place holds all three video gambling cafe licenses at separate locations in the village.
The other establishment seeking a video gambling cafe license Monday is Eagle Gourmet Cafe at 1201 W. Dundee Road. Though the cafe received village approval to offer video gambling in March, it's changing plans to become licensed as a video gambling cafe. Part of the change includes reducing the number of seats for customers.
The village has different definitions for a gambling cafe and a restaurant with video gambling.
A restaurant with gambling must have seating for at least 30 people and serve lunch or dinner at least five days a week. A video gambling cafe may have a maximum of 30 seats and the primary business of the establishment is video gambling. Nonalcoholic drinks and food must account for half the total gross revenue.
Aside from the three Stella's Place locations, 14 bars and restaurants in the village have video gambling. Another four are awaiting final approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.
The village board meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday at village hall, 2 Community Blvd.