New restaurant coming to Mundelein
Restaurateurs with a long history of serving customers in Lake County plan to bring a new eatery to downtown Mundelein.
Tina and Phil Gilardi, longtime Mundelein residents who already own restaurants in town and in neighboring Vernon Hills, are eyeing space at the northeast corner of Route 45 and Park Street for their new endeavor.
They want to call it Tina G's.
The husband-and-wife team have operated Philly G's, 1252 E. Route 45 in Vernon Hills, since 2005. They also ran the spot's previous incarnation, Gilardi's.
Additionally, the couple have operated the Tavern on 60 sports bar and restaurant, 330 Townline Road, since 2013.
"Mundelein ... has been very warm to us," Phil Gilardi said. "They've really wanted to work with us and have wanted us to do more things."
Officially, the new restaurant would be at 10 Park St. A business called Tax Associates operates there now on a month-to-month basis but will move out if the restaurant plans progress, village officials said.
Tina G's would have breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with "outside the box" dishes that are more upscale than the burgers and pizzas he typically serves at Tavern on 60, Gilardi said.
Vacant space next door at 8 Park St. would be converted into a lounge with a bar and video gambling machines that would be accessible only from inside the restaurant, according to village documents.
"We love that little corner," Gilardi said of the space, which formerly had housed a wireless electronics store and other businesses.
The restaurant would have enough seating for about 50 people, plans indicate. That includes a private dining area with space for about 10 people.
The lounge would have room for 30 patrons.
Mundelein Community Development Director Victor Barrera is excited about the Gilardis' plans.
"It's great to see a local resident and restaurateur interested in opening another restaurant in our community," Barrera said. "The Gilardis have done a fabulous job with Tavern on 60, and there is no doubt they will do a terrific job with Tina G's."
The Gilardis need a village license to allow liquor sales and video gambling. The village board will consider the proposal at a future meeting.
Phil Gilardi said he hopes interior renovations will begin in August. He envisions opening by mid-October.
At a public forum earlier this year, several Mundelein residents complained about a lack of sit-down restaurants in the village.
For a few years now, Mundelein officials have been trying to brand the village as a hot spot for new businesses. Tina G's fits with that image, Barrera said.
"Mundelein will be central Lake County's premier location for entrepreneurs," he boasted.