Half Day Inn could return - in Mundelein
There will be no replacing the bricks and mortar of a local landmark demolished several years ago, but the spirit of the Half Day Inn could resurface as a new venture of the same name.
A 19th century stagecoach stop, the bar and restaurant at Milwaukee Avenue and Route 45 was considered the oldest structure in Lake County that had never been moved before it was torn down in 2007.
Though substantially altered over time, its continuous use for so long was a true reminder of pioneer days.
Owner Chris Khayat had considered moving the building but ultimately it was demolished to clear the way for the Vernon Hills Town Center. The property at the northwest corner of the busy intersection was sold for $7.35 million.
But Khayat, who has renovated and reworked existing venues in several communities, saved the bar and many other interior pieces, knowing that some day they would be transplanted.
The spot he has in mind is at 330 Townline Road (Route 60) near Route 45 in Mundelein, just a few minutes drive from the old place.
A succession of bar/restaurants have operated there during the past 30 years, the most recent being the Fuel Bar & Grill, which closed in April 2008 following a drug sting.
"We looked at several other properties in the area but couldn't strike a deal that was acceptable," Khayat said Friday.
"It's a big undertaking for us. We feel there's a niche there especially since we're bringing the Half Day Inn back."
Khayat said the $1.7 million project would reintroduce the old Half Day spirit with some new twists. Live music and other amenities he declined to discuss are planned for an October opening.
"Our menu is going to be unique, too," Khayat said. "You're going to see things you haven't seen in Lake County."
As planned, the new Half Day would seat 160, plus 36 at the bar, about the same size as at the former location.
The Mundelein Liquor Commission - Mayor Ken Kessler and the six village trustees - recently gave its enthusiastic support.
"As liquor commissioner, I thought it was a wonderful idea," Kessler said. "The location is right and they also bring the managerial and business knowledge to run the place in this location."
Chris Khayat and his immediate family operate In-Laws Restaurant and Sports Lounge and Fatman Pizza Pub in Gurnee and Firewood Restaurant & Sports Lounge in McHenry.
Pending a background check, Khayat's request for a liquor license is expected to be considered soon by the village board.
"We've been approached by several different operators to reopen that business and we've approved a number of them but for whatever reason, they haven't worked out after our go ahead," Kessler said.
"I think the economy has been a factor that slowed a few people down."
Khayat also will need a special use permit for live entertainment but that is not an arduous process, according to Kessler.
Khayat said there is a risk but thinks there is an ample pool of new and familiar.
"The Half Day Inn isn't gone and it will always be in the minds and memories of a lot of people," Khayat said.