Could a second pot dispensary be headed to Mundelein?
A cannabis dispensary could fill a vacant restaurant building on Mundelein’s northwest side.
Chicago-based Terrabis wants to convert the former Rosati’s Pizza at 3110 W. Route 60 into the village’s second pot shop. The 5,000-square-foot building is in the Mundelein Crossings plaza and has stood unused since 2023.
The privately owned Terrabis operates six dispensaries in Illinois and Missouri, including one in Plainfield that opened about a month ago. A store in Woodstock is expected to open by February.
Terrabis cofounder Nick Liaromatis and other company representatives pitched their latest concept to Mundelein officials during Monday night’s village board meeting.
Attorney Stewart Weiss said the layout of the property and the building’s high visibility from busy Route 60 will be advantageous. Weiss stressed Terrabis isn’t seeking financial incentives or zoning changes from the village. All it will need from the board is a license to operate, he said.
When it was his turn at the lectern, Liaromatis touted Route 60’s reputation as a strong retail corridor. In addition to Target, retailers in the enormous Mundelein Crossings center include Home Depot, T.J. Maxx & HomeGoods and Ulta Beauty.
Although the building’s facade, landscaping and interior would be altered, no expansion is planned. Liaromatis said remodeling would be an easy job that shouldn’t take longer than 120 days.
Shopping center manager Bill Shiner spoke in favor of the proposal, too.
After the company’s presentation, board members asked a few questions and shared their opinions.
Trustee Erich Schwenk asked if the company plans to offer on-site cannabis consumption. Liaromatis said his team isn’t considering creating a lounge for customers.
Trustee Tim Wilson favored the plan but wants the facade design to be discreet.
Trustee Kara Lambert said she was “really conflicted” about the proposal. While saying she opposed it on an emotional level, Lambert noted cannabis is as legal as alcohol, which is sold throughout the village. Eventually Lambert said she’d back the plan if it moves forward.
The only trustee who opposed the proposal was Daniel Juarez, who expressed concern about the site’s proximity to the Sheldon Woods neighborhood across Route 60. He said he’d like to hear what residents there think of the plan.
Trustees eventually gave the company a tentative go-ahead to proceed with plans. Formal approval will be needed down the road.
Mundelein was the first Chicago-area community to host a licensed medical cannabis dispensary after they were legalized statewide. The Clinic — now known as Rise — opened in 2015 at 1325 Armour Blvd.
The store rebranded after recreational cannabis sales and use were legalized in 2019.