The village council, March 11, voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance granting a conditional use for a dine-in restaurant at 7508-10 Madison St.
Chirrion, owned by Francisco Garcia of Riverside, will open in a space that has been empty since Forest Perk closed in May. The space also has been home to Prestello’s Pizzeria and Paciugo Gelato Caffe.
Forest Perk opened in October 2016, and specialized in pastries, coffee and tea, and gelato made in-house, offering seasonal, gluten-free and vegan options.
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously recommended approval of the conditional use for Chirrion in February following a public hearing. Steve Glinke, director of the Department of Public Health and Safety, noted that no residents attended the public hearing.
In recommending that the Zoning Board of Appeals approve the application, Glinke said a restaurant is a “desirable retail use” for the location.
“The amount of available off-street parking in the nearby parking lots in the area is more than adequate for the proposed use,” he said in his memorandum to the Zoning Board of Appeals. “The proposed use is in keeping with the character of the downtown business district and also is called for in the comprehensive plan.”
Garcia has a background in the restaurant industry, Glinke said, and his family also operates a Mexican restaurant in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago.
Glinke added that Garcia still has to submit signage plans.
Village officials said they do not know when Garcia plans to open the restaurant but noted the conditional use expires in September if such use is not commenced.
