Coffee shop coming to Mt. Prospect train station

Mount Prospect's train commuters will soon be able to get a coffee and a newspaper before starting their day.

On Tuesday, the village board approved a contract with Mount Prospect resident Lilia Guanzon, who will run Bean Spout at the station along Northwest Highway.

Bean Spout will fill the spot left vacant by Tuccio a year ago and provide wireless Internet access, hot and cold beverages, muffins and other baked goods.

"I've been a resident and Mount Prospect homeowner for eight years," Guanzon told the board. "I'm really excited to be given the chance to be a part of the community."

Guanzon has 15 years of experience in customer service and also has restaurant ownership history.

The village board unanimously approved the one-year lease that includes options to renew.

Guanzon will open her eatery at 4 a.m. each morning for Mount Prospect's early commuters, she said.

According to the contract, Guanzon will pay $550 per month in rent, although the village won't charge her for the first two months. Her first payment will be due on June 1, 2010.

Mayor Irvana Wilks said the area at 11 E. Northwest Highway should be straightened up before Guanzon takes over.

"I was just looking through the windows but the place does need to be cleaned up," Wilks said.

Village officials are putting together a list of things that need to be fixed at the train station and will meet with Metra officials at some point, said Director of Community Development Bill Cooney.

"I hope to bring something back to the village board in late spring," he said.

Guanzon is planning a March 25 or 26 opening, she said.