Insurance company to move into long-empty Palatine fast-food site
More than 10 years after the Checkers fast-food restaurant stopped serving burgers, fries and shakes in Palatine, another business has stepped up with plans to open in the long-vacant building.
Northwest Insurance Network Inc., which provides personal vehicle and home insurance, will soon relocate its Palatine branch on Rand Road about 11/2 miles south to the busy northwest corner of Rand and Dundee roads.
Half of the Checkers traditional double drive-through will remain so that customers can make speedier insurance payments. The special use request was unanimously approved Monday by the Palatine village council.
"It's just for the convenience of the clients," Northwest Insurance Network employee Michelle Joseph said.
The insurance company, which is leasing the building, expects about 30 vehicles to utilize the southern drive-through each day. The northern lane will be reconfigured to allow for deliveries.
Officials don't believe keeping the drive-through will have any adverse effect on the surrounding area or traffic at the busy intersection. Staff wasn't concerned about a lack of parking, either.
Councilman Jack Wagner lauded the property owners, Property Dynamics LLC, for the upkeep of the vacant building, citing an absence of complaints over the years.
"We're glad to keep you in Palatine," Councilman Aaron Del Mar said.