Emmett's may make a return to Palatine

All signs are pointing to a return of Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co. in downtown Palatine. Rumors have been swirling for weeks that the restaurant is coming back to its old spot since Brockway Chophouse is now closed.

Developers for the site and members of the Burns family, which runs the restaurant, have no comment on the issue.

But an online ad posted on Craigslist shows the company is hiring staff for its new Palatine location. The Oct. 30 ad reads: "Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co. is an upscale casual brewpub and is seeking highly qualified managers for its new Palatine restaurant as well as locations in Oswego, West Dundee, and Downers Grove."

In May 2006, the restaurant closed in the ground floor of the Hummel Building at Wood and Brockway streets. Customers were told it was closing because of a "philosophical difference" between the Burns family and the staff at the Hummel Building, which were business partners.

Shortly afterward, the upscale steakhouse Brockway opened in its place. But in late September, the restaurant suddenly closed with no notice to employees or the restaurant managers.

Church plan denied: Village councilmen unanimously denied an application for a new church to go in at 865 E. Wilmette Road at a Monday night council meeting. The Church of God Ministry of Jesus Christ International wanted to open that area, which is near the Harris Bank Building and the Cotillion. But officials voted the idea down because they say that area already has too many traffic and parking problems.

Support hospitalized vets: The third annual Vet Fest is going on Saturday at Duffy's Sport Pub & Restaurant, 2070 N. Rand Road. It starts and noon and benefits hospitalized veterans by giving them comfort items to make their lives easier. Last year, Vet Fest raised more than $7,000 from raffles and auctions. That money was used to buy toiletries and clothes given to Great Lakes Hospital. The event will feature a BBQ, auctions, raffles and other activities. For more information, call (847) 991œ0002.

Circus at eye doctor office: Palatine Optometrist Robert Gerowitz will present a Circus Day at his office, 4880 Euclid Ave., in Palatine Saturday. The event is to collect toys for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois as part of its holiday toy drive. He's been collecting toys for years, but this time wants to reward people who bring them in.

There will be face-painting, a clown, a bounce house and a goody bag for the first 100 people who donate a toy. There's also a drawing to win Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's circus tickets.

Admission to the party, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m., is one new, non-weapon, un-wrapped toy valued at between $10 and $20. For more information, call (847) 705-7777.