Sangamon Sun

Village of La Grange Liquor Commission met Oct. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

A special meeting of the La Grange Liquor Commission was called to order at 6:47 p.m. by Liquor Commissioner Thomas Livingston.

Present and constituting a quorum were Liquor Commissioner Thomas Livingston, Commissioner Mike Kotynek and Commissioner Mark Kuchler.

Absent: None.

Also present: Village Manager Andrianna Peterson, Village Attorney Mark Burkland, Community Development Director Charity Jones and Police Chief Kurt Bluder.

2. Approval of the Minutes

It was moved by Commissioner Kuchler and seconded by Commissioner Kotynek to approve the minutes of July 8, 2019, as submitted. The motion carried on a voice vote.

3. Liquor License Request Class A-3 / Urquizo & Almaraz, Corp d/b/a Brothers Mexican Grill

Liquor Commissioner Livingston asked Village Manager Peterson to provide an overview of the liquor license application.

Village Manager Peterson responded that the Village has received an application for a Class A-3 liquor license from Urquizo & Almaraz, Corp. d/b/a Brothers Mexican Grill located at 1014 South La Grange Road. Juan Urquizo is the President (50% ownership) and Sergio Urquizo is the Vice President (50% ownership). They will both operate as liquor managers.

A Class A-3 license authorizes the licensee to sell alcoholic liquor on premises where food is also sold for consumption. An A-3 license authorizes the serving of alcoholic liquor via a service bar; and does not authorize any bar or lounge area. In controlling the dispensing of alcohol, applicants and licensees of a Class A-3 license must prove to the satisfaction of the Village that more than 60% of the gross annual revenue of the dining establishment has resulted from the sale of food.

Commissioner Livingston thanked the Brothers Mexican Grill team for their investment.

Commissioner Kuchler inquired as to what types of drinks would be offered if the license was approved. Juan responded that the menu would consist of mainly beer, margaritas and Pina Coladas.

Commissioner Kotynek inquired as to how much of the business comes from dine-in versus carry- out customers. Juan responded that about half dine-in and half carry-out.

Commissioner Kotynek asked where their other location is and the percentage of liquor sales at that location.

Juan responded that the other restaurant is located in Hillside and that the business has been doing well. The Hillside location is busier but has different competition. The La Grange location has steady customers. The liquor sales in Hillside account for about 20% to 25% of revenue.

Commissioner Kuchler thanked the Brother’s team for their investment and inquired as to how a liquor license will assist in sales. Juan responded that it will allow them to expand their customer base and bring in new business.

Commissioner Kuchler inquired as to how many cashiers are over the age of 21. Juan responded that only one is currently over 21 years of age. The Liquor Commission advised Juan that all cashiers and servers must meet Ordinance and State law requirements for training and service.

Commissioner Livingston complimented the façade and exterior of the restaurant. He also advised that liquor advertisements must be kept to a minimum.

Commissioner Kuchler asked why they decided to locate in La Grange. Juan responded that both he and Sergio had worked at various restaurants and for caterers in La Grange.

After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Kotynek and seconded by Commissioner Kuchler that the Liquor Commission recommends: (a) that the Village Board of Trustees creates one new Class A-3 Liquor License and (b) that the Liquor Commissioner issues that license to Urquizo & Almaraz, Corp d/b/a Brothers Mexican Grill at 1014 S. La Grange Road. Motion carried.

President Livingston thanked the applicants and stated that the recommendation for approval would be made to the Village Board at its meeting on October 28 at 7:30 PM.

4. Other Business

The Commission asked inquired as to the status of other pending liquor licenses. Staff provided updates.

5. Adjournment

It was moved by Commissioner Kotynek and seconded by Commissioner Kuchler that the meeting of the Liquor Commission be adjourned. The motion carried on a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

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