How about a new restaurant, private club at Wheeling airport?

Chicago Executive Airport is courting proposals for a new restaurant at the Wheeling facility.

The board on Thursday heard a presentation by XJet World for a $25 million project that would include a restaurant open to the public and a private club for airport users, among other facilities.

Airport Manager Dennis Rouleau said he found out about the Colorado-based company last year and approached owners about their services.

"They're building their first facility out in Colorado and they gave me a tour," he said. "Their business model is a little different."

He said the company offers a private membership to airport users for hangar space and then offers fuel at a wholesale price. Other companies at Chicago Executive, formerly known as Palwaukee, offer hangars at a discount price but offer no discount for fuel, Rouleau said.

"At this time with the fuel prices being so high, it offers some advantages to people," Rouleau said.

The airport has been trying to get more restaurants into the area as well, Rouleau said. While the 94th Aero Squadron eatery is at the airport, it's actually on private property.

"What (XJet) is proposing would be a high-end restaurant," Rouleau said.

"I think it complements everything that goes around in the area. The Westin (hotel) area is very nice as well as the restaurants on Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling."

Rouleau said the company is putting in a facility in Denver and one in Grand Rapids, Mich. He said XJet is looking for a Chicago location and he wants them to choose Chicago Executive.

"This way, when people fly from the East Coast to the West Coast and need to stop for fuel, they'll probably stop here to pick it up," he said.

Rouleau said he's also been pursuing other companies, but XJet is the first to come through with a presentation. The board has asked him to look into the idea further.