Two new eateries headed for Arlington Heights

Two new restaurants are planning to open in Arlington Heights, one featuring gourmet coffees, ice cream and other beverages and snacks; the second featuring pizza, pastas and deli sandwiches.

Owners of Cool Leberry Coffee and Smoothie Shop, which formerly operated near Foster Avenue and Kedzie Boulevard in Chicago, would like to open at 4204 N. Arlington Heights Road in Terramere Plaza.

The restaurant would take half the space formerly occupied by Five Star Deli, Matthew S. Dabrowski, development planner for the village, told a plan commission committee Wednesday night.

Cool Leberry would serve gourmet coffees, smoothies, teas, juices, ice cream and prepackaged food including bakery goods.

The Five Star Deli's attempt to obtain a liquor license in 2006, which it did not get, caused controversy in the neighborhood, officials said. The deli has since closed, and the space has been vacant about 18 months.

Arlington Heights village staff generally supports the Cool Leberry project, but an amendment to the special use ordinance would have to be approved by the village board. This process will take at least two months.

Meanwhile, Piatti Pronti Restaurant, 206-210 E. Grove St. just off Arlington Heights Road, is already approved as a carryout restaurant for pasta, pizza and deli sandwiches, but Lucia M. Biscaglio, the owner, would like to add seating for 24 diners.

She would also like to operate a cooking school with the first students her employees.

Piatti Pronti is in space that used to be occupied by Toma-Rosa Pizza.

The carryout restaurant will open soon, but the sit-down portion requires additional village board approval, which again will take at least two months.

The main discrepancy with ordinances is that the shopping center is short two parking spaces, but Biscaglio said there is an agreement that the lot at Northwest Metalcraft can be used if needed.