HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2000MINUTES
LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD
November 20 2000
Present:
Lorraine M. Morton, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner
Donald Heyrman, Board Member
Absent:
Jean Alexander, Board Member
William Smith, Board Member
Others Present:
Eric Hsieh
Staff Present:
Patrick Casey, Director of Management & Budget
Julie Tillmon, Executive Secretary
Place:
Mayor's Office on the second floor of the Civic Center
November 20, 2000 at 10:00 A.M.
Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 10:00 A.M. and
considered the following agenda items.
AGENDA
•:• Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the
issuance of a Class D Liquor License to Pine Yard Restaurant, Doing Business as
Pine Yard Restaurant, 1033 Davis Street
Pine Yard Restaurant Doing. Business as Pine Yard R staurant
Mayor Morton opened the meeting by welcoming Mr. Eric Hsieh, owner and operator of
the Pine Yard Restaurant. The Mayor stated that Mr. Hsieh was applying for a Class D
liquor license.
Mr. Casey advised the committee members that the police completed their investigation
and submitted a positive report on Mr. Hsieh and that Mr. Hsieh was the former owner of
the Pine Yard Restaurant previously located at 924 Church Street.
Mayor Morton stated that she was delighted that the restaurant would be opening again.
And was concerned with how Mr. Hsieh planned to sell his beer and wine.
Mr. Hsieh stated that the beer and wine would be served at the table with the meal.
Mayor Morton thanked fir, llsirh for coming to the meeting.
Mr. Casey informed Mr. Hsieh that an ordinance would be issued to introduce Pine T and
Restaurant as an increa�e of Class D liquor license on Monday, November 27`h.
He advised Mr. Hsieh to auctid the meeting on Monday, November 27'h at 7,00 P.&G
where the ordinance %would be introduced to the City Council for consideration.
The being no further business, the liquor board adjourned the meeting at 10:30 A-X
Respectively submitted,
Director grManagem it & Budget
MINUTES
LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD
September 21, 2000
Present:
Lorraine M. Morton, Mayor & Liquor Commissioner
Jean Alexander, Board Member
William Smith, Board Member
Absent:
Donald Heyrman, Board Member
Others Present:
Bob Shimmin, Region Manager
Staff Present:
Patrick Casey, Director of Management and Budget
Julie Tillmon, Budget Secretary
Place:
Mayors Office on the second floor of the Civic Center
September 21, 2000 at 11:00 A.M.
Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 11:45 A.M. and
considered the following agenda item.
❖ Consideration of an application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the
issuance of a Class AC Liquor License to Century Theatres, Inc. Doing Business
As Century Theatres, Church Street Plaza.
Century Theatres. Inc. Doing Business As Century Theatres
Mayor Morton opened the meeting and,.elcomed the regional manager for Century
Theatres Inc, Bob Shimmin stated he was applying for a Class AC liquor license.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Shimmin his conception of an arts theater?
Mr. Shimmins explained to the Board that generally an arts theatre is Foreign and
independent studio.
Mr. Shimmins also explained to the Board that as you come into the building you
would come to a ticketing lobby, which would have box office and a customer service
area for both theaters.
Off of that lobby there are separate entrames to two different theatres. The Century
Twelve, which is the first, run commercia] treater and in the opposite direction is the
Cinema Arts Six. The lobby of that locan;on has a cafe and a lounge area in addition
to a snack bar. The lounge offers you appet-dzer cakes, pastries, other deserts hand
scooped ice cream and a full line of liquor selections, including bottled wines.
Mayor Morton asked for a drawing of the Inyout of the area in question.
Mr. Shimmin apologized for not having a drawing of the layout but did illustrate to
the Board how the lobby would be sct-up.. The Lobby area will be approx. 100 feet
wide by 60 feet deep also it will contain � -45-foot long cafe area.
Mr. Smith asked if the cafe portion was s=,iamte from the lobby area?
Mr. Shimmin's explained that it's on the i6d,- of the lobby, there is no dividing wall
although the seating area is a foot higher :hen the rest of the Iobby. There is a 12-foot
long ramp for ADA access; it's partitioned off with a brass railing that goes around
the lobby.
Mr. Shimins informed the Board that mast of the alcohol would be served by waiters
in that area and you could stand adjacent lei that area and have a cocktail or a glass of
wine but you wouldn't be able to go out c-Y the lobby area with your drink.
Mr. Shimmins assured the Board that all alcohol would be controlled
Mayor :`Morton asked when they are scheduled to open. Mr. Shimmin responded that
the project is scheduled for November I;, 21000 and at this point they are right on
schedule.
Mr. Shimmins assured the Board that aII alcohol would be controlled and that the
ticket takers would be the ones that stop people from going from the lobby to the
theatre with a glass in their hand.
Mr. Shimmins also suggested too the Bird that he would be willing be substitute
paper or plastic cups for glassware, which would be a way to tell whether or not a
person was entering the theater with a coke or a drink.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Shimmins abc,�a the cost to enter the theatre and the price of
parking. Mr. Shimmin informed the Board that there has been no set price as of yet
but that the entry fee would probably co -;spare to Wolfgang Puck.
Mr. Shimmin informed the Board that the general manager for the theatre is David
Stowers.
There being no further business, the Liquor Board adjourned the meeting at 12:15
Respect ly ZSubmi
G
Patrick Casey
Director of Managem t and Budget
MINUTES
LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD
August 10, 2000
Present:
Lorraine M. Morton, Mayor & Liquor Commissioner
Donald Heyrman, Board Member
Jean Alexander, Board Member
William Smith, Board Member
Others Present:
Clint Westbrook, David Kugler, Jeffrey Muldrow, and Eric Singer
Staff Present:
Patrick Casey, Director of Management & Budget
Leila Schwartz, Liquor Coordinator
Julie Tillman, Budget Secretary
Place:
Mayor's Office on the Second floor of the Civic Center
August 10, 2000 at 10:00 A.M.
Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 10:05 A.M. and considk:red
the following agenda items:
AGENDA
• Consideration of an application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of
a Class B Liquor License to Wolfgang Puck Food Co., Inc., Doing Business As Wolfgang
Puck Grand Cafe, 1701 Maple Street.
♦ Consideration of an application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuanciy of
a Class C Liquor License to The Margarita Club, Inc., Doing Business As Va Pensiero, D566
Oak Street.
♦ Consideration of an application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuan= of
a Class C Liquor License to Crescent Moon Kitchen, Inc., Doing Business As The L=L-y
Platter, 514 Main Street.
WolfttanPuck Food Co.. Inc. Doing Business As Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe
Mayor Morton opened the meeting and welcomed the attorney for Wolfgang Puck ResLmuants,
David Kugler, and the regional manager. Clint Westbrook. Mr. Kugler stated they were applying
for a Class B liquor license.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Westbrook what their hours of operation % ill be. Mr. Westbrook
responded that they will open for lunch at 11:00 AM and close at 11:00 PM on weekdays and
12.00 PM on weekends. Mayor Morton suggested that they consider extending their closing time
since they may want to be open to serve food and refreshments to after theater customers. Class
B establishments close at 1:00 AM weekdays and 2:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mayor Morton asked how many tables %kill be in the restaurant. Mr. Westbrook said them %ill be
80 tables, or 224 interior seats and 74 exterior seats.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Westbrook when their restaurant was opening. Mr. Westbrook
responded that the projected opening date is November U, 2000, and that at this point, evm-thing
is right on schedule.
Mr. Heyrman asked Mr. Westbrook if he was familiar «ith Evanston's laws regarding service of
liquor to minors. Mr. Westbrook stated that although he is from Orlando, Florida, he is well
aware of our ordinances and liquor laws. All servers are over 21 years of age and are required to
complete a six week training program. They must ask for identification from anyone that appears
to be under 30 years of age. If the servers have any questions regarding the age of a customer,
they will not serve liquor to that person.
Mr. Heyrman asked if they own any other restaurants in the Chicago area. Mr. Westbrook said
that they own Spagio in Chicago. They have a close working relationship with the Chicago
operation and have learned about problems that occurred there. They %ill use their experience
and expertise to make sure there are no violations in Evanston.
Mr. Smith commented about a question on the application that asks if their license for food
dispensing has been applied for. Mr. Westbrook said that it has been applied for but they have
not received it as of this date. He will advise the Board of the license number as soon as he
receives that information.
Mr. Heyrman asked Mr. Westbrook how they were going to handle liquor service. Mr.
Westbrook stated liquor will be served to patrons at their tables as well as dispensed at the bar.
The restaurant will be situated next to the theater. An elevator from the theater will stop at the
restaurant. There will be a sushi bar and a liquor bar adjacent to the theater.
Mr. Kugler commented that Wolfgang Puck Restaurants cater to a family business. He said that
75% of Wolfgang Puck's revenue is from food and only 25% will be from alcohol. Liquor is
incidental to the service of food. They believe in fair prices in accordance with quality and food
portton sizes.
Mr. Smith asked if food will be available at all times. Mr. Westbrook said they may modify their
menu at the end of their operating hours. but food will be always be provided. Mr. Heyrman said
that in Evanston, alcoholic beverages compliment food. Evanston is known for having an
extensive variety of restaurants that cater to many different ethnic and diversified backgrounds.
ra
Mr. Westbrook said he is well awa= of Ev-anston's liquor lti%v. The \Volfg;tng nick organizations
have never had a problem with the service of liquor to underage cu_•tomer•. Thcy amribute this to
their excellent training program. They «ill comply with till laws and will endeavo. to maintain
their good record.
Ms. Schwartz informed Mr. Westbrook and Mr. Kugler that a representative of theirs, should
should attend the ARPW meeting on September 11 at 7:00 P.M. and again can IS 25,
2000. She also told them that it was their responsibility to promptly pay a 6% t,tx tin liquor sales
each month.
The Margarita Club. Inc. Doing Business As Va Pensiero
Mayor Morton welcomed Jeff Muldrow to the Liquor Board Meeting. Mr. Muldrow is the new
owner of The Margarita Club, Inc. corporation and has been with the The Margarita Club for the
past four years. He has been in full charge of the restaurant for the last two years.
Mr. Smith asked Mr. Muldrow why the state corporate license was reinstated. Nir. Muldrow
replied the previous owner didn't keep up the corporate filings due to an oversight. Mr.
Muldrow's attorney went to Springfield and reapplied for the Articles of Incorporation.
Everything is correct and in order as of this date.
Ms. Alexander asked Mr. Muldrow if the previous chef, Peg Ryan. %%ill still be at the restaurant.
Mr. Muldrow said iris. Ryan worked at Va Pensiero for twelve years. She now has two children
and wants to be home with her family, so she will be leaving. He % ill handle all areas of the
restaurant in the same manner as he has been for the past two years. He doesn't have any future
plans to make any changes since everything seems to be running smoothly and efficiently, but he
will always try to improve food selections and service.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Muldrow if he will be open for lunch. Mr. Muldrow replied that they
discontinued lunch service although they will cater for luncheons or parties of 15 or more, but
they prefer to specialize in serving only dinner.
Mr. Muldrow said his bar manager has been working for the restaurant for a long time. He is well
aware of Evanston's laws and has always complied with the liquor code. He also has four other
managers, all of which are aware of and comply with our liquor laws.
Mr. Muldrow stated that they really don't have any problem with minors since their restaurant is
not the type of place that is frequented by students; however, parents of Northwestern students
frequent Va Pensiero when they're in town and their children might accompany them for dinner.
Minors will not be served any alcoholic beverages even though they may be accompanied by their
parents.
Nis. Alexander asked Mr. Muldrow how many customers he can accommodate. Mr. Muldrow
said he can seat 140 people in both dining rooms. She asked Mr. Muldrow if there are many walk
in customers. Mr. Muldrow replied that most customers make reservations before dining there.
Ms. Schwartz informed Mr. Muldrow that he should attend the A&_PW meeting on September 11
at 7:00 P.M. and again on September 25, 2000. She also reminded him that he was responsible
for promptly paying a 6% tax on liquor sales each month and also promptly paying for his liquor
renewals.
3
Crescent Moen Kitchen. Inc. Doing Business As The Luckv Platter
Mayor Morton welcomed Eric Singer, one of the owners of The Lucky Platter, to the Liquor
Board Meeting and stated that Mr. Singer was upgrading his liquor license from a Class D to a
Class C license.
Mr. Heyrman as ccd Mr. Singer why they were changing to a Class C liquor license. Mr. Singer
said although liquor is a small percentage of his business, he wants to be able to serve margaritas
and other special or fun drinks to his customers. The Lucky Platter is a family restaurant that
caters to a big breakfast and lunch business. They have fewer customers at dinnertime. The new
Class C liquor license %trill enable them to offer brunches with drinks as well as special drinks to
perk up their business in the evening.
Ms. Alexander asked Mr. Singer what type of customers frequent his restaurant. Mr. Singer
replied that most of his customers are professors. grad students, families, and people working in
the area. Not too many college students frequent their restaurant since it's not located near the
university. Mr. Singer said his staff' is well trained to card anyone of a questionable age. They
are aware of the liquor law, are always careful to follow the rules, and are happy to say they have
never had any problems with the issue of serving liquor to minors.
Mr. Heyrman reminded Mr. Singer that he should continue to be cautious and not serve liquor to
minors. Mr. Singer agreed to comply with Evanston's liquor laws.
Mayor Morton said the The Lucky Platter is Iocated in a changing area. Mr. Singer said that more
businesses are moving in and young professionals are purchasing condos nearby. Hopefully they
will bring more business to restaurants in the area.
Mr. Heyrman asked Mr. Singer if he had plans to change his restaurant. Mr. Singer said he and
his partner have been at The Lucky Platter for ten years and hope to remain there for another ten
years. They are satisfied with their business and do not plan on making any changes other than
changing their liquor classification to a Class C.
Mr. Heyrman asked Mr. Singer if they were going to expand their beer and v-ine menu. Mr.
Singer said no, they feel their selections are adequate. Mr. Singer stated that liquor only
constitutes 2.5% of their sales.
Ms. Schwartz informed Mr. Singer that he should attend the A&PW meeting on September 11 at
7:00 P.M. and again on September 25, 2000.
There being no further business, the Liquor Board adjourned the meeting at 11:2 0 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick Casey
Director of Management Budget
4
MINUTES
LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD
Monday, May 15, 2000
Present:
Lorraine M. Morton, Mayor & Liquor Commissioner
Donald Heyrman, Board Member
Jean Alexander, Board Member
William Smith, Board Member
Others Present:
Anthony Anton, Tina Anton, Paul Byun, Robert Byun
Staff Present:
Patrick Casey, Director of Management & Budget
Leila Schwartz, Liquor Coordinator
Place:
Mayor's Office on the Second floor of the Civic Center
May 15, 2000 at 10:17 A.M.
Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 10:17 A.M. and considered
the following agenda items:
AGENDA
• Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of
Class B Liquor License to 1800 Club Inc., Doing Business as 1800 Club, 1800 Sherman.
♦ Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a
Class D Liquor License to Paul T. Byun, Doing Business as Sushi Arigato.
1800 Club Inc.. DBA 1800 Club
Mayor Morton opened the meeting and welcomed Anthony Anton, who is applying for a Class C
liquor license. Mr. Anton is the owner of the 1800 Club. Tina Anton, his sister, accompanied
him to the meeting.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Anton if he has any experience running a restaurant that sold liquor.
Mr. Anton said yes, he has years of experience. His father owmei restaurants for many years and
Mr. Anton has helped since he was old enough to work. lair. Anton stated that although he
received his degree in Finance, he always enjoyed serving people and providing good food, so he
decided to Open his own restaurant.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Anton about the location of his restaurant_ Sir. Anton said his
restaurant is situated in a commercial building where there are 550 tenants. Mr. Anton said the
restaurant was M%iously neglected. He did some remodeling. added a few more tables, changed
the menu, added new American style dishes, lowered his price-, and increased the meal portion
size. Miss Anton said they're very pleased because the owner of the building has been
recommending their services to tenants and they began doing corporate catering.
Mayor Morton asked if they serve lunch. Mr. Anton responded that they serve lunch as well as
dinner.
Mr. Anton was asked by the mayor if he will operate the restaurant by himself. Mr. Anton said he
hired a very experienced manager but he will be there most of the time too.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Anton if he was familiar with the Evanston Liquor Code and our rules
and regulations. Mr. Anton said yes, he is fully aware of the law and he will abide by the rules at
all times.
The Mayor advised him that he will have to be extremely careful not to serve liquor to underage
customers. She said that she was concerned because this will be the first restaurant he w-as
operating on his own and wanted him to know what a big responsibility he was undertaking. tilr.
Anton said he is very tough on kids. He has an experienced doorman who checks id's at night.
Students from the Kellogg School of Management come into the restaurant after studying and
want to relax. Mr. Anton said he «will not allow any minors in his restaurant or bar after 10 PM.
He does not want to have any problem with minors. Mr. Anton acknowledged that it will be his
responsibility to see to it that underage customers do not drink any alcoholic beverages in his
restaurant.
Mayor Morton wanted to know if turning away customers would present a problem for him. Mr.
Anton said it would not. He doesn't want any problems to arise regarding minors.
Ms. Alexander asked Mr. Anton if people drop in after the theater. Miss Anton said yes, they
have expanded their dessert menu because people were requesting more late evening snacks and
desserts. Nis. Alexander said the restaurant is in a very good location and she felt that older
customers will frequent their restaurant after the theater.
Mayor Morton said she feels that Mr. Anton %kill do well in his new restaurant. Mayor Morton
wished Mr. Anton much success in his restaurant.
Mr. Casey informed Mr. Anton that he should attend the A&-P«' meeting on May 22 at 7:00 P.M.
and again on June 12, 2000. He also told him that he was responsible for promptly paying a 6%
tax on liquor sales each month and promptly paying for his liquor renewals.
Paul T. Bvun. DBA Sushi Arigato
Mayor Morton welcomed Paul Byun, the owner of Sushi Arigato, and his brother, Robert Byttn.
Mr. Byun is applying for a Class D liquor license.
The Mayor asked Robert Byun why he accompanied his brother to this meeting. Mr. Byun stated
that he owns three Japenese restaurants in the Chicago area and has been helping his brother get
started. He speaks better English than his brother and felt he could assist him at this meeting.
2
Mayor Morton asked Paul Byun what's being done to his restaurant. Mr. Byun said be is
remodeling. He estimates the improvements will be completed sometime in June since work is
still being done.
Paul Byun said that his work hours will be from 11:00 AIM until 10:00 PM. His brother said that
customers will leave by 9:00 PM and it will take them another hour to clean the restaurant.
Mayor Morton asked Paul Byun if he would be comfortable with these hours and he said yGs he
would. He doesn't see any reason to keep his restaurant open after 10:00 PM. His ty;c of
clientele frequents restaurants in the early part of the evening.
Mayor Morton asked Paul if he will be there all the time. He replied that he will be there at all
times.
Ms. Alexander asked Mr. Byun if he is familiar «ith E%-arwon's liquor laws. Mr. Byun said he
is and will always adhere to the rules. Mr. Hevrman said that being close to the University, he
will have to be careful not to serve any minors. Paul B)-un said that he will pay close attention to
this and watch for students. He will not sme any undera-ge customers. tiir. Heyrman told Mr.
Byun that Evanston has strict liquor laws and he must Ways be careful not to serve minors even
if they are accompanied by their parents. It will be his responsibility to see that our rules Are
followed.
Mr. Casey informed Mr. Byun that he should attend the A&PW meeting on May 22 at 7:00 P.M.
where this Ordinance will be Introduced and again on June 12, 2000 when it will come up for
Approval. He also told him that he was responsible for promptly paying a 6% tax on liquor sales
each month and promptly paying for his liquor renewals.
Mayor Morton wished Mr. Byun good luck in his new venture
There being no further business, the Liquor Board adjourned the meeting at 11:10 A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
& Budget
3
19
MINUTES
LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD
April 6, 2000
Present:
Loraine M. Morton, Mayor & Liquor Commissioner
Donald Heyrman, Board Member
Jean Alexander, Board Member
Absent:
William Smith, Board Member
Others Present:
Leonardo V. Rago
Staff:' Present:
Patrick Casey, Director of Management & Budget
Leila Schwartz, Liquor Coordinator
Place:
Mayor's Office on the Second floor of the Civic Center
April 6, 2000 at 10:35 A.M.
Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 10:35 A.M. and considered
the following agenda items:
AGENDA
♦ Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a
Class C Liquor License to Molesi ,G.G.L. Inc., Doing Business as Trattoria Trulli, 1700 Central Street.
Molesi, G.G.L., Inc., DBA Trattoria Trulli
Mayor Morton opened the meeting and welcomed Leonardo Raga. wh%N is applying for a Class C
liquor license. Mr. Rago is one of the ov►ners of Trattoria Trulli.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Rago if he has any experience running a restaurant that sold liquor. Mr.
Rago said his presently owns another restaurant, Panino's, that is do-.•n the street from Trattoria
Trulli, but their business is mostly pick -yap and delivery and no liquor is served.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Rago if he axs familiar with the Evanston Liquor Code and our rules
and regulations. Mr. Rago said yes, he is fully aware of the law and he vrill abide by the rules at
all times. The Mayor advised him that he will have to be extremely careful not to serve liquor to
underage customers. Ms. Alexander said that because of his location a lot of students will be
coming into his restaurant before Northwestern game time. Mr. Rago said he used to work in a
restaurant that did a lot of carding and he is very familiar with this procedure.
Mr. Heyrman said that Trattoria Trulli's location on Central Street will attract college students.
He told Mr. Rago that it wrill be his resNnsibility to see to it that underage customers do not drink
any alcoholic beverages.
Mayor Morton said the State sends out investigators from time to time and he should be aware
that these investigations occur. Mr. Casey said investigators are also sent out when the State
receives complaints. They check for violations and make sure licenses and regulations are
properly posted.
Mayor Morton asked when the restaurant will be opened. Mr. Rago said it will take a few
months. He' s hoping to be open in time for the 4 h of July Parade.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Rago why they decided to open at another location. Mr. Rago said
they needed more space than was available in their other restaurant and decided to open another
restaurant down the street. Mr. Rago said they have already invested $300,000 in the new
restaurant. They will have a few booths but mostly tables will be set up. Ms. Alexander asked if
there will be outdoor tables. Mr. Rago said he proposed french doors that open wide in front of
the restaurant but that hasn't been approved yet.
Mayor Morton said she feels that this restaurant will do well. Ms. Alexander said the location is
very good because it's near theaters and close to Ryan Stadium where the Northwestern
University games are played. Ms. Alexander said that older customers will be attracted to their
restaurant before and after the games.
Mr. Rago said that he feels they will do well in their new venture. Giovanni De Nigris, one of the
owners, is a four star chef and has been written up in Chicago Magazine, and Chicago Magazine
has already contacted them to write an article. He said that many customers have been asking for
liquor to be served and he'll have a good following at his new Iocation.
Mayor Morton wished Mr. Rago much success in his restaurant.
F
Mr. Casey informed Mr. Rago that he should attend the A&PW meeting on April 11 at 7:00 P.M.
and again on April 24, 2000.
There being no further business, the Liquor Board adjourned the meeting at 11:05 A14L
Respectfully Submitted,
f-
J~
Patrick Casey
Director of Management & Budget
Kj
MINUTES
LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD
March 23, 2000
Present:
Lorraine M. Morton, Mayor & Liquor Commissioner
Donald Heyrman, Board Member
Jean Alexander, Board Member
William Smith, Board Member
Absent:
None
Others Present:
Jacky Pluton
Staff' Present:
Patrick Casey, Director of Management & Budget
Leila Schwartz, Liquor Coordinator
Place:
Mayor's Office on the Second floor of the Civic Center
March 23, 2000 at 10:35 A.M.
Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 10:35 A.M. and considered
the following agenda items:
AGENDA
Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a
Class C Liquor License to Jacky's Bistro, Inc., Doing Business as Jacky's Bistro, 2545 Prairie Avenue.
Jackv's Bistro. Inc.. DBA Jackv's Bistro
Mayor Morton opened the meeting and welcomed Jacky Pluton. the owner of Jacky's Bistro. 1vtr.
Pluton is applying for a Class C liquor license.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. PIuton if he will be the chef in his restaurant. Mr. Pluton said he ►►ill Ev
both chef and manager and will personally run the restaurant. Mr. Pluton said he is ver,-
experienced and has owned and managed restaurants in this country- and in France. His father
before him owned a restaurant in France where he received his training.
Mr. Heyrman asked Mr. Pluton if he intends to have valet service. Mr. Pluton said he ►►ill hir--
someone for this service. Mr. Heyrman asked what he intends to charge customers for parkirsg
their cars. Mr. Pluton responded that he thought of charging S4.00 per car.
Mr. Smith asked Mr. Pluton when he will have a grand opening of his restaurant. He replied that
he's going to have a dry run or practice run on May 9. 10 and 11, but the official opening ►►ill Ev
on May 12. Mr. Pluton said he has a permit to begin work on the restaurant and everything h-as
been going according to schedule. Mr. Pluton said he is putting in acoustical ceilings and is goi=
to keep the wood floors. He anticipates the work to be completed in four weeks so the timing will
be perfect for his grand opening.
Mr. Smith asked how many people Mr. Pluton will be able to seat. lie responded that he'll sew
between 75 and 85. Mr. Pluton said he is going to apply for a permit for outdoor seating for 22)
people and has already ordered bistro chairs for the outdoor seating area.
Ms. Alexander said his restaurant is in a good location. Mr. Pluton agreed and commented the
neighbors have been stopping him and welcoming him to the area. He's received warm notes
from people and other storeowners in the neighborhood, so he anticipates good relationships.
Mayor Morton asked Mr. Pluton if he was familiar with the Evanston City Code and our rules and
regulations. Mr. Pluton said he is well aware of the law. The %favor advised him that he WU
have to be extremely careful not to serve liquor to underage customers. hfr. Pluton responded
that he doesn't think too many underage or college students can afford his type of restaurant. Mr.
Heyrman advised Mr. Pluton that Evanston is very strict with enforcement of liquor laws. He
said Mr. Pluton should ask for identification if he feels there is a question regarding the age of
customer. Mr. Pluton said he will enforce this law and will make sure that everyone adheres to
the liquor laws.
Mr. Smith asked Mr. Pluton why he didn't reopen his restaurant in Winnetka after it clasrd
because of a fire. Mr. Pluton said he had problems with the landlord and decided not to reopen.
He stated that he has been looking at the property in Evanston for two years and finally decided so
purchase the building. Mr. Smith said Winnetka's loss is Evanston's gain.
Mr. Pluton said this will be the first French bistro in Evanston. He will serve the same quality of
food as in Winnetka but this restaurant will be homier and -warmer. The entrees will be priced
from $12 to S20. He also said that he has a good following of customers from the Winnetka aroma
and is confident they will drive to his Evanston restaurant.
Mr. Herman asked what wine prices will be. Mr. Pluton stated %Nine will cost from $3 to S9 a
glass and S17 to S200 a bottle. Mr. Heyman risked what other restaurants he mill be comparable
to and Mr. Pluton said Stained Glass and Campagwla-
Mayor Morton %fished Mr. Pluton much success in his restaurant.
Mr. Casey informed Mr. Pluton that he should attend the A&PNNI meeting on April 11 at 7:00
P.M. and again on April 24, 2000.
There being no further business, the Liquor Board adjourned the meeting at 11:1 S A.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patrick Casey
Director of Management & Budget
MINUTES
LIQUOR CONTROL REVIEW BOARD
February 17. 2000
Present:
Lorraine M. Morton, Mayor and Liquor Commissioner
Jean Alexander, Board Member
Absent:
Donald Heyrman, Board Member
William Smith, Board Member
Others Present:
Jennifer Gallery, Marc Simon, Ramarant Kharel, Indra Raj Chhetre, Greg Lamacki, Ste,.e
Soble
Staff Present:
Patrick Casey, Director of Management & Budget
Leila Schwartz, Liquor Coordinator
Place:
Mayor's Office on the Second floor of the Civic Center
February 17, 2000 at 10:30 A.M.
Members of the Liquor Control Review Board began the meeting at 10:05 A.M. and considered
the following agenda items:
AGENDA
♦ Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a
Class Q Liquor License to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., Doing Business As Chipotle Mexican Grill,
711 Church Street.
♦ Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a
Class D Liquor License to Sankalp & Shand Inc., Doing Business As Mt. Everest Restaurant, 618
Church Street.
• Consideration of application to amend the existing Evanston Code to permit the issuance of a
Class C Liquor License to Fire House Grill, Inc., Doing Business As Fire House, 750 Chicago Avenue.
Ms. Alexander commented that their restaurant is in a good location, across from the Library, znd
is in the heart of Evanston.
Ms. Alexander asked Mr. Kharel about their price range. He stated that they are planning a butTet
lunch that will cost $6.95 per person. They want to introduce a new taste and environm= to
Evanston by alternating selections on the buffet so patrons will become acquainted with various
entrees containing spices, herbs and ingredients that most people are not familiar with_ Dinners
will be from S15 to $20 and will include coffee or tea.
Mr. Kharel said they will make their own flat bread in the kitchen in a charcoal heated clay over.
Ms. Alexander asked Mr. Kharel what the difference was between Indian and Nepalise food. Mr.
Kharel said that Nepalise is not as rich as Indian food.
Mayor Morton asked who will be in the restaurant at all times. Mr. Kharel said they will both be
there but that he is the manager, Mr. Chhetri is the o%kmcr.
Mayor Morton asked them if they are familiar with Evanston's liquor laws. Mr. Kharel said they
are aware of the law and have always been law abiding people. Mayor Morton said they must
obey the rules and always be cautious. She reminded them that this is a college town and they
cannot serve liquor to minors even if they are accompanied by their parents. Mr. Kharel said they
will not serve liquor to any underage customers.
Mr. Casey explained to Mr. Chhetri and Mr. Kharel that they should appear at the A&PW
meeting on February 28 and again on March 13 at the City Council meeting. They said they
would be there.
Fire House Grill!. Inc.. Doine Business As Fire House
Mayor Morton greeted Mr. Greg Lamacki, manager and Mr. Steve Sable, owner of the Fire
House. She asked Mr. Soble what they were doing to remodel their restaurant. Mr. Sable said
they were going to restore it to be as it was a long time ago, a fire house complete with wooden
bays, and ceilings. They're also going to change the doors and hang Currier & Ives murals of fire
houses. A lot of time, care and money will go into the renovating. They plan to go to the
Historical Society and talk to fire fighting people in order to make the restaurant look authentic.
Mr. Sable said they were going to have someone make wooden signs for the outside.
Mr. Sable said they leased 40 parking spaces from the Nissan dealer plus they have another 4
spaces for handicapped parking.
Mr. Sable said the restaurant %ill seat 102 people. They will have a chili bar and intend to serve
American food such as ribs, spaghetti and meatballs. The food will be low to mid priced and they
will deliver.
Ms. Alexander asked what their hours will be. Mr. Sable said at first they will serve dinner
Monday through Friday and %%-ill serve brunch and lunch on Saturday.
Mayor Morton warned Mr. Soble and Mr. Lamacki that they must abide by Evanston's liquor
laws. She said they must not serve liquor to minors. Both Mr. Lamacki and Mr. Sable said they
were aware of the rules and regulations. Mr. Sable said they are currently operating five
restaurants in the Chicago area and have zero tolerance for breaking liquor laws. Their businesses
have been inspected 15-20 times and nothing negative has ever been turned up.