Uncle Julio's opening completes Vernon Hills' vision for former offices
Vernon Hills' newest restaurant is scheduled to open Tuesday, but would-be diners can try ample samples this weekend at a dinner practice preview.
Uncle Julio's Mexican From Scratch has extended invitations for six seatings each on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant at 850 N. Milwaukee Ave., is the anchor of an $8 million overhaul of a nondescript, two-story office building on the perimeter of Hawthorn Mall.
Aside from being another eatery in the village's large commercial base, the restaurant is an example of village leaders holding firm to a vision for the highly visible property on the northwest corner of routes 60 and 21.
Centrum Partners LLC originally wanted to demolish the office building and replace it with restaurants and retail uses in three buildings. But village officials three years ago rejected that idea, saying it was not the best use for the location, and the plans were reworked.
A grand entrance was created for Uncle Julio's, and Northwestern Medical, is set to open this summer and occupy a majority of the space on the site's north end. Three other retailers, including a T-Mobile, are now part of the mix.
"Most people familiar with the area cannot believe it's the same building," said Larry Powers, a Centrum executive. "Looking back a few years, there were many iterations to this plan and the village really deserves a lot of credit for encouraging us to be more ambitious."
Parking was among the biggest issues for the development, according to Assistant Village Manager Joe Carey. Because there is no agreement with the mall to accommodate overflow parking, Uncle Julio's will provide valet service.
Carol Levin, spokeswoman for the GLMV Chamber of Commerce, said restaurants and eateries typically only provide food and beverages for the business community during ribbon cuttings or grand openings.
"However, (the preview) is a great idea, so they can iron out the kinks before officially opening to the public," she said.
The first Uncle Julio's opened in Dallas in 1986, and the chain now operates in seven states. Vernon Hills is the sixth location in Illinois, joining Chicago, Lombard, Orland Park, Skokie, and Naperville. Specialties include various styles of fajitas, filet mignon, bacon-wrapped shrimp and a large drink menu featuring "The Swirl" - a frozen margarita and sangria blend.
It isn't the only new restaurant arriving in Vernon Hills. Work continues at Yu's Mandarin, 99 W. Townline Road (Route 60), and the restaurant could be ready to open by June, according to Building Commissioner Mike Atkinson.
In another proposal just down the street, representatives for McAlister's Deli will appear next week at the planning and zoning commission regarding improvements at the former Famous Dave's location. The fast casual restaurant serves gourmet sandwiches and has locations in Geneva and Naperville.