Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Liquor Control Commission met Jan. 9

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE

Chair Pearse called the January 9, 2025 meeting of the Local Liquor Control Commission to order at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of the Wheaton City Hall, 303 West Wesley Street and via Zoom.

Upon roll call, the following were present: Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Laird, Chair Pearse, Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Whitmer. Absent: None. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. John Swain, 400 S. Hale Street, stated that in his opinion, the Class Y licensee, Subourbon, is not a “Club” as defined by the City Code.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 12, 2024

Commissioner Taylor moved and Commissioner Laird seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2024 Local Liquor Control Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye.

IV. NEW BUSINESS

Amendment to Section 6-129 - Hours of Business - Class L Liquor License Classification

Mr. Corey Brazelton, General Manager of Studio Movie Grill in the Rice Lake Square Shopping Center, was in attendance to present a request to amend the hours of business for Class L Liquor Licensees (movie theatres) to match the hours of business for Class A, B and I Licensees (restaurants).

Mr. Brazelton stated that their theaters are open with morning showings as early as 10 am, 7 days a week and their national menus often offer brunch bundles which include a Mimosa or Bloody Mary, and they would like to extend the same offerings at their Wheaton location.

Mr. Kozik stated that the current hours of business for a Class L Licensee are Monday – Saturday 11 am to 1 am and Sunday 12 noon to 12 midnight. The currents hours of business for Class A, B and I Licensees are Monday – Saturday, 7am to 1am and Sunday, 7am to 12 midnight.

Commissioner Whitmer questioned whether food service is available for the morning showings. Mr. Brazelton stated yes, food service is available.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Laird seconded a motion to recommend to the Council that the hours of business for a Class L Liquor License be amended as proposed. On a roll call vote, all voted aye.

Application for a Class A Liquor License – Dough LLC d/b/a Dough and The Backyard – 111 E. Front Street

Mr. Eric Schlickman, owner of Dough LLC d/b/a Dough and The Backyard, was in attendance to present an application for a Class A Liquor License (full liquor) for their proposed restaurant to be located in the former Carlson’s Art Supply Store at 111 E. Front Street.

Mr. Schlickman stated that the restaurant will feature two different types of dining options with a shared kitchen. Dough is a pizza restaurant and is on the south end of the building. The north portion, called The Backyard, is considered “entertainment” space and will have more lounge-like furniture, in addition to traditional tables and chairs with games such as skeeball, darts, a pool table and a few arcade games. Both spaces will have TVs meant for viewing sports. Mr. Schlickman stated that the intent is to provide an elevated experience in the Backyard and to appeal to an older customer base than his 302 restaurants. He indicates that they also plan on hosting private parties as well as ticketed events such as live music in The Backyard. Mr. Schlickman stated that the outdoor patio will be a phase 2 project and built, most likely, in the spring of 2026.

To start, Mr. Schlickman stated that that Dough will be open from 11-11pm M-Sa and on Sunday 11-8pm and The Backyard will be open to the public only in the evenings M-Th, then 11-12am on Friday and Saturday. Sunday 11-8pm. Private events may interrupt the public schedule.

Chair Pearse questioned the applicant about the kitchen capacity of the restaurant. Mr. Schlickman stated that the restaurant will have a full kitchen with the capability to provide a complete menu to the entire facility. Mr. Schlickman stated that Dough and the Backyard will be a full-service restaurant with waitstaff.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Commissioner Laird moved and Commissioner Brown seconded a motion to recommend to the Council that a Class A Liquor License be issued to Dough LLC d/b/a Dough and The Backyard, 111 E. Front Street. On a roll call vote, all voted aye.

V. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01092025-2718