Austin's Fuel Room Owner Inks Deal with Fairgrounds for New Music Venue

Mark Khayat, the owner of Austin's Saloon and Eatery in Libertyville, and the mastermind behind Austin's Fuel Room, has inked a deal with the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake to bring more concerts and entertainment to the area.

"Here some big news for ya! Austin's Fuel Room and Lake County Fairgrounds have partnered up to create the largest indoor/outdoor, multi-entertainment facility in Lake County! AUSTINS FUEL ARENA! Stay tuned....," posted Khayat on Facebook.

Khayat's company, Fuel, Inc., has a five-year contract with the fairgrounds to host musical acts on the grounds, to be marketed as Austin's Fuel Arena, reports the Daily Herald.

Austin's Fuel Room, which has hosted popular acts such as Brett Michaels, Bobby Brown, Buckcherry, Puddle of Mud and Ice Cube, opened in 2008 as an addition to the restaurant.

Khayat told the Daily Herald he hopes to utilize the fairgrounds' outdoor areas and indoor exhibit hall for a variety of acts, not just rock.

Thrilling partnership

"We are absolutely thrilled. It will be great exposure for us," said Sheri Vyfvinkel, fairgrounds general manager.

Vyfvinkel said it was Khayat who approached them about the partnership, which gives Austin's exclusive entertainment rights to the fairgrounds.

Depending on what acts are scheduled to come through the area, she said, events could begin even before the summer.

"Mark has wonderful connections," said Vyfvinkel, adding the fairgrounds venue will expand upon what Khayat and Austin's Fuel Room are already great at—enticing top quality entertainment to the area.

Austin’s Fuel Room Puts Libertyville on Musical Map