Vernon Hills backs bar that would serve 500 craft beers
A new business that's all about beer could be coming to Vernon Hills.
The Beer Market, which would serve about 500 types of crafted bottled beer, received a positive response from village trustees this week during an informal work session.
The business, described as a “novel and new entertainment and gathering place centered on the growing demand for high-quality specialty beers and wine,” would be located at the Vernon Hills Town Center, Route 45 and Milwaukee Avenue.
Besides bottled offerings such as Daleside Monkey Wrench, a strong English ale, or an Orkney Skullsplitter, a wee heavy Scotch ale, 40 premium draft beers would be available along with a selection of seasonal wines.
“It's not going to be Bud Light, it's not going to be Miller,” explained Joe Romeo, operating manager of the Beer Market LLC.
Live music would be part of the operation to include a patio seating area with two gas log fire pits. As proposed, the Beer Market would have seating for 125 with a total capacity of 210 in a 3,200-square-foot space.
Food would not be prepared or served on premises but patrons would be able to order and have food delivered from local restaurants.
“There isn't one restaurant that isn't excited about them being there,” said Seymour “Sy” Taxman, developer of the Vernon Hills Town Center.
The building is under construction but the business owner wants to be open by mid-November.
“I think it has potential to add to the site,” said Trustee Cynthia Hebda.
Beer Market operators need to appear before the planning and zoning commission and the village board at public hearings for approval to amend the existing special use for the Vernon Hills Town Center.
This is not a franchise but a new operation proposed by Romeo and two partners, who have extensive experience as operators, franchisers and start up consultants, village trustees were told. Their affiliations include Panini's Bar & Grill, a chain of 18 family restaurants in northern Ohio, and other operations.
The partners say they plan to open eight Beer Market locations in the next three years.