Pizza chain headquarters could come to Prospect Heights

The corporate headquarters for a growing national pizza chain could come to Prospect Heights if the project receives city approval Monday.

Sarpino's Pizzeria, currently based in Lincolnshire, is looking to construct a two-story building for a carryout restaurant and offices at the southeast corner of Elmhurst and Palatine Roads, where a vacant former auto parts shop sits.

The pizza store would also serve as a training location for future Sarpino's franchisees, according to Dmitry Shapiro, president of Sarpino's USA.

Sarpino's currently has 26 locations nationwide - 12 of them in Illinois, including stores in Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Des Plaines and Riverwoods. Shapiro said additional stores are planned for Algonquin and Elgin, and three more in Chicago.

The company has been headquartered at its current Lincolnshire location in an office complex for five years.

"It's been very adequate and we like it a lot, but we're growing and we need an actual physical store to train more franchisees," Shapiro said.

Shapiro has been in discussion with Prospect Heights officials since December. He estimates the new building would cost $1.5 million to construct, and would be ready for business eight months after the city council's approval.

Aldermen will consider approving variations to the zoning code to permit trucks larger than one and a half tons to make deliveries to Sarpino's during business hours. Sarpino's is also requesting the minimum lot width be reduced from 300 feet to 84 feet.

Once the project receives approval, Sarpino's will proceed with its purchase of the land, Shapiro said.

Sarpino's USA is part of a larger international business based in Canada. The company also has locations in Mexico, Australia and throughout Asia.