Grayslake backs $200K incentive for restaurant proposal

Grayslake village board members have tentatively agreed to provide financial help to a family planning to open a downtown restaurant.

Board members last week recommended that $200,000 in economic incentive cash should be awarded to assist the Bowes family with their plan for a currently vacant site at 127 and 129 Center St.

After a suggestion by Trustee Ron Jarvis, officials agreed there should be a projected completion date as part of the economic incentive agreement. Trustees will need to hold a formal vote for the deal to become official.

"We've been waiting over a year for something to happen there," Jarvis said.

Mayor Rhett Taylor said he supports the $200,000 incentive, in part because the Bowes family already has made a significant investment in the village's downtown with Emil's Tavern on Center.

"I would anticipate that their new restaurant would bring in more development to our downtown," Taylor said.

Kevin Timony, assistant to the village manager, said the new eatery would rise on the site previously occupied by Last Chance Saloon. Last Chance closed in 2013 and was demolished after the Bowes family bought the building in 2014.

Timony said about $3.5 million in private investment is expected for the new restaurant, with the creation of 40 to 60 jobs.

"The new building will include a historic architecture look in line with other buildings in the downtown," he said.

Grayslake village board members first discussed the proposed restaurant at a nonvoting committee meeting in September 2014.

Emil's Tavern on Center opened in downtown Grayslake in 2010. The Bowes family also owns Emil's Pizza and Sports Bar, which has been in Mundelein about 36 years.