Arlington Hts. OKs liquor for MAGO Grill

MAGO Grill, 115 W. Campbell St. in downtown Arlington Heights, will receive a liquor license after a long struggle.

After a ruling by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission in MAGO’s favor, Village President Arlene Mulder and the village board have agreed that the Mexican-Latin restaurant near Metropolis Performing Arts Centre will get the license.

The license was rejected Aug. 16 with Mulder issuing a statement that three restaurants had opened and closed in the location.

“This is an important and sensitive location which requires experienced ownership and a record of successful operations,” the statement said.

“At this time, it is not in the best interest of the Village to issue a liquor license to this applicant who has no ownership experience and appears to be the sole owner of the Limited Liability Corporation.”

Owner Ric Munoz, who says he has 25 years’ experience including years as chef and general manager in several restaurants, appealed the decision first to Arlington Heights and then to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

The state commission issued an order in December that MAGO should receive the next available liquor license.

The major objection that came up at Monday’s meeting was a lawsuit over back rent. However, the landlord, Dr. John Girardi, came to the hearing and said the rent has been satisfied and there no longer is a lawsuit.

MAGO means magic in Spanish, and Munoz and Chef Juan Luis Gonzalez have put their own spin on modern and traditional dishes including ceviches, burritos and tacos. Munoz said the lack of a liquor license has hurt business at the restaurant that opened in October and resulted in difficulties paying rent.

Munoz had worked at Grand Station, also adjacent to Metropolis, and Gonzalez was at Fuego, which was in downtown Arlington Heights.

He said he also plans to open a restaurant in Bolingbrook.