Trustees review conceptual plans for a new Mexican restaurant to be located at the site of the former Tobacco Hut
HUNTLEY—Luis Rodriguez, owner of Antigua Mexican Grill in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, submitted a conceptual site plan and building elevations to village staff for the renovation and expansion of the existing building located at 10716 Route 47 (the former Tobacco Hut).
According to the June 9 Board Meeting agenda packet, Rodriguez had purchased the property in late 2020 and had the intention of opening a second Antigua Mexican Grill location in Huntley, but ultimately decided to open a restaurant in Algonquin instead.
The proposed plans for the Huntley area restaurant indicate renovating the existing 873-square-foot former Tobacco Hut building and constructing a 582-square-foot expansion.
The renovation and expansion will accommodate the 1,455 square feet of area necessary to install a full kitchen and prep area, dishwashing area, walk-in cooler, accessible restrooms, and seating for 16 patrons.
In a letter to village staff, Rodriguez stated that the menu for the proposed Huntley area restaurant will provide the same food and drinks as that of his Crystal Lake location.
“Our hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. We plan on having a max of five employees at this location during lunch and dinner shifts (both in the kitchen and in [the] dining area). We will offer limited in-person dining, carry out via in-person, pre-order via phone, or online ordering. Delivery options are available via DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.,” wrote Rodriguez in his letter.
Following the presentation of the conceptual plan, trustees had the opportunity to give Rodriguez some feedback.
Trustee Curt Kittle commented that the plans looked great and that he was looking forward to a new restaurant in town, while Trustee Harry Leopold stated that he would like Rodriguez to hire a landscaping company to ensure the weeds on the property are taken care of.
“We need something like this in town. Your food is great, but I wish you were a larger location because I’m in the restaurant business and this is going to be tough,” Trustee Niko Kanakaris told Rodriguez. “Your carryout will be great, delivery will be great, but four tables, I’m sorry, it’s going to be really tough.”
The architect responsible for drafting the conceptual site plans told trustees that upon looking at different locations within the village, the former Tobacco Hut building seemed like the best option for the vision Rodriguez had. The architect also added that they can only accommodate four tables in the restaurant due to having to comply with the village’s zoning ordinance that requires one parking space for every three seats.
Trustees Mary Holzkopf and JR Westberg shared the same concerns as Kanakaris when it comes to the size of the proposed restaurant.
“I think your business is going to be blooming and I just hate to see you in a spot that restricts you, but you can only do what you can do with what you have. So, I think that location would not be my top choice, but again, you can only do what you can do with what you have. I think you’re making the best of what you do have and I think you’re going to be very welcomed,” said Holzkopf.
Trustee Ronda Goldman was happy to hear about a new restaurant coming to town, however, she expressed her worry about how Rodriguez would probably outgrow the space quickly and was unsure why he decided on utilizing the former Tobacco Hut as the location for a new restaurant.
“Your restaurant is very well known and well received and I’m concerned about the location. I can’t figure out for the life of me why you decided to go there but you did. You bought the land. I’m concerned because we’ve had issues in that area,” said Goldman. “Dairy Mart [has] issues with children and you’re in that same congested area. I hope nothing happens once you open.”
As a final comment, Holzkopf told Rodriguez that he qualifies for a façade program that would grant him incentives for signage used on the property.
Additionally, Rodriguez could also apply for Huntley’s newly established small business program, which would grant Rodriguez extra money that would assist him with expenses relating to the restaurant.
Trustees were not required to take any action at the June 9 Board Meeting on the conceptual plans for the proposed Mexican restaurant.
