Mexican restaurant may move into vacant downtown Winfield space

After sitting empty for more than two years, a highly visible space in downtown Winfield could be getting a new restaurant.

Village officials say the owners of Dos Hot Tamales, a sit-down Mexican restaurant, are interested in renting the former Heidi's Brooklyn Deli location in the Town Center One building along Winfield Road. But before signing a five-year lease, the restaurant's owners are seeking a liquor license and a possible incentive package from the village.

Village Manager Curt Barrett said Winfield would need to create an additional "Class B" liquor license, which would allow the restaurant to serve a range of alcoholic drinks to dine-in customers. Trustees also would need to approve any kind of incentive package for the business.

In the meantime, trustees say they are excited about the possibility of having the vacant space occupied.

Heidi's Brooklyn Deli closed for renovations in 2008, but never reopened. The closure came less than two years after the sandwich shop opened to great fanfare. At one time, Winfield officials hoped the business would be the first of many to open in the town center. Heidi's was one of three tenants that leased space on the first floor of the two-story, 25,000-square-foot building that village officials helped usher in as part of a plan to help spur redevelopment in the downtown district.

Currently, two of the four spaces on building's first floor are vacant. Office space on the second floor is leased by Central DuPage Hospital.

Several trustees, including Chuck Martschinke, say they believe getting a new restaurant into the former Heidi's location would be a good idea.

"I think bringing another business - another restaurant - into town center is not only good for the village, but also good for the business community," Martschinke said.

Trustee Glenn VadeBonCoeur agreed, adding that "increased foot traffic helps everybody out."

Still, trustees said they want to hear from the restaurant's owners before taking a final vote on the liquor license request.

Dos Hot Tamales' owners didn't attend last week's village board meeting, but they are expected to make a presentation to the board next month.