Upscale Restaurant Concept With Video Gaming Raises Some Concerns

Lake in the Hills could get an upscale sandwich shop with local craft beers, handpicked wines, but when the concept of video gaming was proposed, it raised some concerns.

Developer Bryan Sterbenz presented the Committee of the Whole with a lease agreement and plans to start a restaurant called Lucky Penny's inside Acorn Plaza, 421 N. Randall Road.

The 3,200 sq. foot space would seat about 50 to 60 people and have an upscale environment, he said.

The group who proposed the idea is also set to open Lucky Bernie's in Woodstock, he said, and operates a location in McHenry.

Village trustees generally were open to the concept, although there were several worries whether video gaming would be imperative for the restaurant. Trustee Paula Yensen was the only one who was openly opposed to the idea, saying she wanted to see more family friendly developments.

"I think it really is a video gaming place where you offer sandwiches," Yensen said. "That’s the bottom line. I don’t see anything other than sandwiches, beer, wine and chips."

Sterbenz said food and beverage sales would make up 60 percent of the restaurant's revenue and gaming would produce the other 40. He said not having video gaming would likely be a deal breaker for the business.

"We’re trying to get white collar and the blue collar," Sterbenz said. "There are different price points."

Trustee Stephen Harlfinger was among those who embraced the proposal.

"I think this establishment, especially where its location is at, would be a little more benefit to those who are not really into the [video gambling bars] Dotty's scene or Stella's scene," Harlfinger said.

Sterbenz will likely begin the process of applying for a liquor license. If he secured that, he said trustees could come see what the restaurant looked like before moving forward with the video gaming discussion.

Photo via Village of Lake in the Hills Facebook page

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