What Should Go in Vacant Pat's Pizza?

Pat's Pizza.

For three decades it was Grayslake's go-to place to gather with friends and family, toss your peanut shells on the floor, play classic arcade games and stuff your face.

The popular pizza parlor closed its doors last February, no longer able to keep up with the competition, said owner Pat Harris. "It was a fairly sudden decision," he told Patch in February.

Readers were shocked, too, and they reached out to Patch to share fond memories.

Pat's was a family joint invested in the community, giving jobs to Grayslake High School students, college kids, even local officials like District 46 board member Karen Weinert, who worked there for 21 years.

Six months after the sudden closure of the Grayslake landmark, located at 719 Barron Blvd. (Route 83), the building remains uninhabited and on the market.

Grayslake Village Zoning Officer Kirk Smith said the site is zoned GB, or General Business, which means it "pretty much allows any non-residential use--stores, offices, restaurants, etc."

"The only restriction is is that part of the property is located in a flood plain, so any additions may be problematic," he noted.

Roy Clark, a consultant for NorStates Bank, which is handling the sale of the property, said the approximate 4,700 square-foot building and 30,000 square-foot lot is going for $455,000. There is no opportunity to lease, only to purchase.

"There's been a lot of interest, predominantely from restaurants," said Clark. There has also been some interest from other users, though Clark would not elaborate on what type.

Given the economy, it's not a surprise that the site has been on the market for six months, but it's a great location with a lot of traffic, said Clark, so it's only a matter of time before the right buyer comes along.

Some renovations might be necessary, of course. If another restaurant comes in, they may want to consider interior design changes, such as from booths to tables.

Potential buyers can contact Roy Clark at (224) 381-1664 or (847) 244-6000.

In the meantime, tell us what you think should go in the Pat's Pizza location in the comments.