Lake Zurich board grants liquor license to gyros restaurant

Papagus Gyros in Lake Zurich soon will offer beer and wine to dine-in and carryout customers, after receiving permission from village leaders this week.

About 90% of the business is carryout, so most of the alcohol sales will be packaged beer and wine, restaurant founder Peter Diamond said.

"We only have three or four tables where customers can sit down," he said.

Diamond opened Papagus about 20 years ago at its original location, which is now the Life Time Fitness on North Rand Road. The current location at 1110 S. Old Rand Road was opened in 2021 by Peter's sons, Gus and John Diamond.

Peter Diamond said they want to offer more options to customers and add to the restaurant's revenue. They also hoped for video gambling machines, he added, but the restaurant is not eligible under village regulations.

"Unfortunately, there was not enough seating capacity," Diamond said. "With the number of tables right now, it would be considered a gaming cafe."

The liquor license also allows Papagus to serve alcohol in the restaurant's outdoor seating area.

The liquor license was approved by the village board Monday.