Pizzeria receiving tax incentives to open in West Dundee sports complex

West Dundee is offering financial assistance to a pizzeria operating within the new LifeZone 360 facility.

Operators of Bricks Wood Fired Pizza Cafe, in partnership with the sports complex, are putting the finishing touches on a more than $300,000 renovation of their 2,900-square-foot space, LifeZone partner Jeff Dunham said.

The restaurant is undergoing a soft opening and is expected to be fully operational by May 1.

To help with renovation costs, the village board this week unanimously approved an economic incentive agreement with Bricks, promising to rebate the company 50 percent of its incremental sales tax revenue, capped at $35,000, for up to five years.

Though the cafe's primary audience will be LifeZone clients and visitors, Community Development Director Tim Scott said it also has the potential to bring in an outside dining crowd.

"We're anxious to see new businesses go in that area," Trustee Michelle Kembitzky said.

LifeZone representatives spent more than a year searching for a restaurant partner that would be able to quickly serve high-quality food to large groups of people, Dunham said. On top of its daily operation, the sports complex at 999 W. Main St. hosts parties, events, tournaments and camps.

After looking into nearly 20 potential vendors, he said, he met with Bricks owner Bill Wilson and knew it was the right fit.

"We're looking forward to having Bricks not only in LifeZone but in the Dundee market," Dunham said. "We're putting out an amazing product, and that's something I'm really proud of."

In addition to plumbing, electric and other improvements, he said, the build-out required adding a copper-clad wood fired oven, a walk-in cooler system, kitchen equipment and a seating area. Storage and office space were also created.

Founded in 2005, Bricks operates restaurants in Lombard, Wheaton, Naperville and Mount Prospect. In addition to its specialty Neapolitan-style pizza, Wilson said, the menu includes artisan sandwiches, made-to-order salads, soups and a variety of appetizers. The West Dundee cafe will also offer Kimmer's Ice Cream products.

"More and more, the word is getting out and customers are trickling in," Wilson said. "We can kind of see a positive flow right now."