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May 6, 2022

An example of what the proposed pergola at Rookies Bar & Grill in Huntley could look like
An example of what the proposed pergola at Rookies Bar & Grill in Huntley could look like.

News • May 6, 2022

Struggling Rookies Bar & Grill hopes building new accessory structures brings in more business

By

HUNTLEY — At the April 28 Village Board meeting, Huntley’s Senior Planner Scott Bernacki presented trustees with a request made by Bob Karas, the owner of Rookies Bar & Grill located at 12220 Princeton Drive, to amend the site plan approval for lot 2A of the Regency Square Phase 2A for the construction of two accessory structures for the restaurant.

Karas proposed building a 25-by-14 cedar wood pergola that will stand 13 feet tall and will be positioned next to the existing storefront glass windows.

“The pergola will remain open to the sky and is located in a compliant position on the lot. Electrical switches and receptacles will be added to support the installation of outdoor lighting and fans,” said Bernacki. “Additionally, the plans propose a 50-square foot triangular performance stage positioned at the northeast corner of the patio. The performance stage is comprised of a six-inch raised paver platform and a two-foot-tall paver wall with paver columns.”

Bernacki told trustees that Karas is also proposing to enclose the back of the stage with cedar siding on both the north and east elevations, leaving the open side facing the restaurant seating area.

The 12-foot-tall structure will be capped using a red metal seamed roofing system, while the pergola is expected to feature an outdoor fire pit.

Following the brief presentation, trustees were allowed to voice their opinions of the plans, to which Trustee Ronda Goldman stated her opposition to the performance stage.

“First of all, that parking lot is always jammed with cars. Those of us who go to Rookies know that and we see it when we drive by. It’s not a big parking lot. I can understand the pergola,” said Goldman. “What kind of music is [Karas] intending to bring and where are all those people going to park their cars? Where are those people going to sit? [It’s] still not a huge patio. So, those are my reasons why I do not want the outdoor music part.”

Trustee JR Westberg told the other board members that he didn’t mind the two accessory structures that were being requested, also adding that the stage is too small to do anything other than having a one-person acoustic performer.

Agreeing with Westberg, Trustee Mary Holzkopf stated that she hated the idea of seeing a business not succeed, referring to a statement Karas made at a prior Village Board meeting regarding his plans on not renewing the lease for the Huntley-area Rookies restaurant.

“If this is something he feels will bring more business to him, I don’t see it as causing more traffic. The stage is extremely small,” said Holzkopf. “I think that it’s actually nice to have the outdoor pergola because not everyone wants the sun beating down on them and there’re still tables where they could have direct sun, but then there’re tables where they could have shade.”

Trustee Niko Kanakaris also expressed his approval of the plans for Rookies, while adding that many restaurants have outdoor patios nowadays.

“I think [Karas] made his case when he was here before, that his business is to the point where he really had to evaluate whether he wanted to renew his lease and if he feels as though this will prompt additional business then I would be for it,” said Trustee Harry Leopold.

As with the majority of the board, Trustee Curt Kittle was in favor of the plans for the pergola and performance stage, with his only other comment being that he hopes Karas complies with the village’s noise ordinance.

“I think we’re in need of patios in town. We have very few to choose from. I think aesthetically it looks great. That stage to me is no different than putting outdoor speakers out, which I’m sure are already there, and to have one or two people out there, he’s going to have to follow the codes for noise regardless. So, that’s something that we can have a conversation with and make sure he abides by it, but I am for it,” stated Kittle.

Having voiced their opinions on the plans, the trustees moved forward with voting for the approval of the two accessory structures for Rookies.

All but Goldman voted in favor of approving the motion.

Since Karas was not in attendance at the meeting, it was not stated when he planned on beginning and completing construction on the pergola and performance stage.