W. Dundee eatery/brewpub closes without notice

Whether it was a sign of the times or a sign of the establishment, one of West Dundee's downtown restaurants has closed.

M.T. Barrels Restaurant and Brewery, at 98 W. Main St., was shuttered on a Saturday at the end of July, a little more than two years after owner Frank Simal opened the three-story speakeasy in the historic building on the banks of the Fox River.

It is not clear why the Prohibition-themed restaurant closed, but public documents show the restaurant was past due on paying a $1,050 state liquor license and owed ComEd more than $22,000 in past bills.

The company, Simal Properties, also recently settled a lawsuit with Pennsylvania-based Ultimate Fighting Championship promoter Joe Hand Promotions. The promoter sued Simal and his brother, Christopher Simal, for illegally broadcasting a mixed martial arts event on Aug. 9, 2008, at M.T. Barrels.

The promoter sought up to $340,000 in damages, according to court papers.

Though the Simal brothers denied the allegations, a settlement was reached in March of this year, court records show. The settlement was not disclosed. However, court documents stipulate that the promoter may reopen and reinstate its claim on or before Aug. 15, 2009, in the event of nonpayment.

Neither Frank Simal, nor Christopher Simal nor a representative from Simal Properties could be reached for comment.

When M.T Barrels was opened in West Dundee in early 2007, village officials and staff praised Frank Simal's efforts to create a destination in the heart of the village. The tri-level building was designed to resemble a 1920s speakeasy, with a steakhouse, microbrewery and cigar bar.

"It is too bad, this was Frank's dream," Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said. "But it was bad timing in terms of the economy and restaurant business."

Frank Simal, with help from his father, Francis Simal Sr., and Christopher Simal, sank an estimated $2 million into the 130-year-old building that once housed a hardware store and more recently a Gino's East pizza restaurant.

West Dundee also provided grants and tax rebates to ensure the restaurant remained in town for many years. The village board approved a $145,000 grant from its economic incentive program toward one quarter of the cost of building code compliance, American with Disabilities Act upgrades and facade improvements.

Additionally, the board also granted a rebate on 50 percent of sales taxes during its first five years of operation.

Simal is on the hook for at least $145,000 because the grant agreement stipulates repayment if the business does not operate for five years. But Cavallaro said the village is not taking a loss on the project, because the grant was used to improve the building to the benefit of the village.

And, Cavallaro said, a request was never submitted for the reimbursement of half of the sales taxes taken in.

"We want to talk to Mr. Simal, but I think we are part of a long line," Cavallaro said.