Vince's owner takes over pizza parlor, wants nothing to do with bar

Vince Loiacono got much more than a phone number and some recipes when he bought the rights to Chicago Pizza Authority several weeks ago.

The owner of Vince's Italian Restaurant in Palatine hoped to get some business from the now-defunct CPA. He wasn't aware the bar adjacent to the restaurant - Mac & Nac Tap - was about to close, due in part to an undercover drug sting.

"The food at CPA has a good reputation and there's a good clientele so I bought the business," Loiacono said. "I want people to know we're not affiliated with the bar in any way."

Customers who dial the CPA phone number are routed to Vince's, which now employs several CPA cooks and drivers. Though Loiacono intends to eventually combine the two menus, the same food from both restaurants is available.

"There are two sauces, two of everything," he said. "You can't change it overnight."

Mac & Nac Tap had to close last month because its liquor license was dependent on the food service provided by CPA. At a recent Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, the bar owner requested taking over the former restaurant space. Her plan was met with opposition from police, who provided testimony about inadequate security and undercover drug buys.

"Vince's is in a much better neighborhood and a much better restaurant," he said.

Vince's Italian opened at 2365 N. Hicks Road nearly four years ago. (847) 991-7770.

Palatine for Peace: Lisa Goranson hopes a few residents' actions will deliver a loud message.

Taking a cue from a similar event in Arlington Heights, Goranson organized the first-ever Palatine for Peace on Saturday.

Seven people stood for an hour in silence with signs displaying different messages:

Have you thought about your children being in endless wars?

Thank a veteran.

Just pretend it's all OK.

And Goranson's favorite: Families need their soldiers home.

"I really wanted to bring something like this to Palatine," she said. "Our desire, or at least my own, is just to get people to think."

The silent vigil took place at Volunteer Plaza, located at the northwest corner of Northwest Highway and Hicks Road.

Goranson said the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with drivers honking their horns and giving a thumbs-up or peace sign through the car window.

She wants the signs to be tasteful and deliver a thoughtful message.

"There won't be any campaign messages or bashing anybody," she said.

Goranson, who got a permit from the village, hopes to hold vigils from 3 to 4 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, at least through the November election. She's waiting for an official go-ahead to meet again next month.

Anyone interested in participating can e-mail Goranson at l021859@aol.com.

• Got a scoop on what's happening in Palatine? Contact Kimberly Pohl at (847) 427-4472 or kpohl@dailyherald.com.