Mount Prospect pizza place expanding

A Mount Prospect pizza establishment is expanding its footprint.

Crave Pizza, 106 E. Northwest Hwy., has acquired the space formerly occupied by Anna's Allure salon, allowing the business to expand from 1,600 to 2,500 square feet.

With the new space, Crave will be able not only to continue to offer casual family pizzeria dining with carryout on one side, but also introduce a lounge with a sports entertainment component on the other side.

On Tuesday, the Mount Prospect village board approved a change in Crave's liquor license that will enable full service of alcohol in a restaurant with a lounge. Trustee Steven Polit abstained because Crave has a contract with his firm for audio and video equipment and control automation.

Trustee Paul Hoefert said he really likes the place. "When we go in there, there are lots of families there. It's a really great environment," he said.

Crave's owner, Rafael Dickson, said the new space should be open around the end of May, and the restaurant will be open during the transition.

"It has been a tremendous challenge," Dickson said of his work to make the business a success. "We have been open for about 3½ years, and every single day there has just been one more challenge to overcome."

With the expansion, there will be additions to the menu, including a few extra appetizers. And the new format will feature television that will give customers the opportunity to watch a game on Sundays.

"It is still going to be an awesome family place," he said. "We're going to be open a little bit later. We want to attract a little bit of a later crowd."