Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Liquor Control Commission met Aug. 14

Here is the agenda provided by the commission:

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL VOTE

Chair Pearse called the August 14, 2025 meeting of the Local Liquor 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: Chair Pearse, Commissioner Laird, Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Whitmer. Absent: Commissioner Brown. City Staff Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 10, 2025

Commissioner Laird moved and Commissioner Taylor seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2025 Local Liquor Commission meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye.

IV. NEW BUSINESS

Application for a Class A Liquor License – Mi Casa Restaurant Grill Inc. d/b/a Mi Casa Restaurant and Grill – 1720 N. Main Street

Owner Yesenia Miranda and daughter/manager Karina Tapia were present to discuss their application for a Class A License to Commission. Mr. Kozik stated that the Wheaton Liquor Code does not permit the sale of liquor at “fast food” restaurants. Mr. Kozik stated that Chapter 6 of the Wheaton City Code sets forth 14 factors that are indicia of a fast-food restaurant and that the applicant indicates that of these factors, only a few define their business practices and as such, their restaurant should not be considered a fast-food restaurant and should thus be eligible to hold a retail liquor license.

Ms. Tapia told the Commission that her mother purchased the business in January of this year and since that time, they have been making improvements to the business to turn it into more of a sit-down establishment instead of a fast food, carry-out establishment. For example, Ms. Tapia stated that customers dining in now have their orders taken by waitstaff and have their food served on real plates with silverware.

When asked by Commissioner Whitmer about their “carding” policy, Ms. Tapia stated that they will “hard-card” everyone seeking to purchase alcohol as it is a simple policy that is easy for both customers and staff to understand.

Commissioner Taylor asked if a Class B License could be sought rather than a Class A License. Ms. Tapia stated that while the sale of beer and wine with a Class B License would work for the majority of alcohol they hope to sell, a Class A License would also allow the sale of Margarita’s as well.

Commissioner Taylor further stated that he has recently visited the restaurant and would concur that the operational changes made to the restaurant are that of a standard restaurant and not a fast-food restaurant.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Commissioner Laird then moved and Commissioner Whitmer seconded a motion to recommend to the Mayor and City Council that Class A License be issued to Mi Casa Restaurant Grill Inc. d/b/a Mi Casa Restaurant and Grill at 1720 N. Main Street issued to M amendment be approved as presented. On a roll call vote, all voted aye.

V. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 P.M.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/13063?fileID=18826