Three eateries coming to Arlington Heights

Three new Arlington Heights restaurants are expected to open this summer after receiving enthusiastic approval from the village board.

A Caribou Coffee with a drive through lane, the second Smashburger in the Chicago area, and a Jersey Mike's Subs will share the space at Arlington Heights and Rand roads that has been vacant since Lone Star Steakhouse left it several years ago.

All three restaurants will have outdoor seating, and the Smashburger will apply for a license to serve beer and wine, said Chad Firsel, the developer of the outlot property. He predicted the restaurants will open this summer.

Trustee Thomas Hayes said it must be clear that diners cannot take alcohol from Smashburger to a patio of another restaurant.

Mayor Arlene Mulder said the restaurants would also need to follow rules about outdoor dining, which include limited access to the patios.

Firsel said patrons will be able to reach the patios only through the restaurants, as required.

Trustee Bert Rosenberg questioned where employees would park, suggesting there were not enough spaces. But Bill Enright, deputy director of planning & community development, said the restaurants have 45 spaces and an agreement to share parking with the shopping center behind it. This meets code, said Enright.

Firsel pointed out that Caribou will be busy at a different time of day than the other two cafes. It was also pointed out that much of Caribou's business would be drive through.

John Griparis, who is the franchisee for Jersey Mike's, said he owns two restaurants in Schaumburg, one in Mount Prospect and one in Vernon Hills. He said 20 Jersey Mike's are open or planned for the Chicago area.