Lake Zurich takes action on liquor licenses
Lake Zurich has shuffled the deck for its liquor licenses to accommodate businesses that have closed or are changing policy regarding alcohol sales to customers.
Village board trustees recently took action on the licenses for Eng’s Tea House, Ania’s Polish Deli, Dominick’s Finer Foods, Papagus Enterprises Inc. and Sake Sushi and Grill.
In a memo to village board members, Interim Police Chief Kevin Finlon said Papagus’ gyros restaurant at 454 N. Rand Road returned its liquor license to the village because management “has determined that it is not in their best interest to continue with the sales of alcohol at their establishment.”
Still operating, but now without a liquor license, is Ania’s Polish Deli at 772 S. Rand Road. Open in Lake Zurich since 2004, Ania’s is known for specializing in a variety of food products from Poland and elsewhere in Europe and was named a Daily Herald Readers Choice winner in its category two years ago.
Going in the other direction is Sake Sushi and Grill at 884 S. Rand Road. Finlon said while the eatery will continue with a license allowing patrons to bring their own alcohol for on-site consumption, it also will be able to sell such beverages with the liquor license it now possesses.
Lake Zurich’s Sake Sushi and Grill is owned by a family that also has locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. It is known for sushi that appeals to veterans of such cuisine or newcomers.
Closures were cited for the liquor licenses that were surrendered by Dominick’s at 345 S. Rand and Eng’s Tea House, a Chinese restaurant, at 710 N. Old Rand Road. Mayor Thomas Poynton said Wednesday that village officials want to see the large Dominick’s space filled.
“We have been in close contact with the building owners and have offered our assistance in locating an appropriate user of the space,” Poynton said.