Arlington Heights mayor objects to 'cocktails' sign

"Lounge" and "pub" are perfectly acceptable terms for Arlington Heights restaurant signs.

But "cocktails" crosses the line, at least for Village President Arlene Mulder.

Mulder voted against a sign planned for Grand Station Restaurant in downtown Arlington Heights. Despite Mulder's vote, the sign will go up, with the motion passing 8-1 on Monday.

"Pub and lounge are more about the atmosphere," Mulder said. "Cocktails sounds like it's about drinking."

Fuego owner Eddie Nahlawi is planning to open Grand Station, an American cafe, on the southwest corner of Campbell Street and Vail Avenue in June.

Nahlawi understands Mulder's point of view, but he's including the word cocktails on his sign anyway.

"To me, cocktails is an old-fashioned word for alcoholic beverages," he said. "There's an Irish pub across the street, and Fuego is also a margarita bar. People come to downtown Arlington Heights for drinks."

The word "cocktails" will be about 20 inches long and is the smallest word on the 12-foot-tall sign, Nahlawi said. The lighted sign also features a clock.

"It's a word that fits the visual atmosphere in downtown Arlington Heights," Nahlawi said.

Trustee Tom Stengren agreed with Nahlawi.

"There's not enough excitement downtown," he said.

Grand Station's music, decor, and entrees will be all American -- with dark, hardwood floors and accordion-style windows along Vail Street to give customers a view of Harmony Park.

A two-story staircase will connect the dining area to two banquet rooms.

The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and until 2 a.m. on weekends.

Mulder likes the idea of Grand Station and pointed out that she did vote to approve the project.

"I have great respect for Eddie and he knows the market," she said. "I just wanted that one word removed."