Greek eatery planned for long-vacant spot in Libertyville
A new restaurant featuring traditional Greek street cuisine is planned for a long-vacant venue on the north end of Libertyville.
New building facades, landscaping and lighting are in the works for the former Slott's Hots, 1124 N. Milwaukee Ave., a village mainstay for 30 years that has been vacant since closing abruptly in early 2015.
The Vlahakis family plans to open its second Greek Feast location in the highly visible building just north of Winchester Road. The family opened the original location about eight years ago in a converted gas station in Northbrook. They also operated Georgie V's in Northbrook.
"We've been looking at Libertyville quite a while," said Peter Vlahakis, co-owner of the family business.
The operation would feature all Greek, classic street food, Vlahakis said, made from family recipes. The menu includes avgolemono soup, spanakopita and feta fries, as well as staples like gyros and souvlaki.
"We're doing the kitchen design right now. We'd love to be open in fall or late summer," he said.
Plans call for interior and exterior upgrades, although the building shell would remain. The former drive-through window would be closed. Village approvals have been given and securing building permits is the next step.
"I think they're trying to offer something a little different from what's available at other local restaurants," said Heather Rowe, the village's economic development director.
More than 23,000 vehicles pass the site daily.
"It's a prominent location. It's nice to see it updated," Rowe said.
While specifics haven't been determined, Rowe said the land purchase, building and interior improvements represent a "very substantial" investment.
This isn't the first proposal for the building. A second location for Jack Straw's hot dog and pizza restaurant, which has operated since 1982 in Wheaton, was presented in fall 2015 but later dropped.
Libertyville in recent years has been on a roll with new dining options, particularly in the central area downtown.
Recently opened or planned offerings include Main Street Social, 608 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Pho Kho Gia Lai, 328 Peterson Road; Dos Amigos, 101 W. Rockland Road; and, My Flavor It! Place, 703 N. Milwaukee Ave.