Village Board approves temporary outdoor dining and drinking for Bowl-Hi Lanes

HUNTLEY — On May 26, Dan Zielinski, co-owner of Bowl-Hi Lanes (10520 Route 47), came before the Village Board to request their approval in constructing a temporary dining area that would include a fireproof tent within a portion of the south parking lot.

In addition to his outdoor dining request, Zielinski also asked the Liquor Commission for an amendment to his establishment’s Class “A” liquor license, which would allow Bowl-Hi Lanes to serve alcohol outside.

Patrons would then be allowed to drink alcoholic beverages within the proposed outdoor tent area and an adjacent area enclosed with a temporary split rail fencing similar to what Hi-Bowl Lanes did under the village’s Temporary Dining program that was set in place during the peak of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Following the approval to amend Bowl-Hi Lanes’ liquor license, Lisa Armour, Huntley’s deputy village manager, presented trustees with Zielinski’s plan that consisted of setting up a 20 by 40 tent in the southern portion of the Bowl-Hi Lanes parking lot from June 1 through Sept. 30 of this year.

Zielinski told trustees that in the future, he intends to build a permanent outdoor structure in hopes of continuing outdoor dining in 2023.

Armour stated that plans for a permanent structure will require — at minimum, a site plan review by the Plan Commission and the Village Board.

Following Armour’s presentation, Mayor Tim Hoeft asked the trustees if they had any questions or comments for Zielinski, to which only Trustee JR Westberg responded.

“[I’m] super happy that you’re trying to retool yourself and find ways to make revenue in this difficult time. I think building a [permanent] structure would be even better, you know, like you said,” Westberg told Zielinski.

Westberg followed up his statement by asking Zielinski if he planned on having live entertainment outdoors.

Zielinski replied that Bowl-Hi Lanes has approval from the village to host car shows on Fridays and have small bands perform on Saturdays.

“Kudos to you guys. Make it happen,” said Westberg.

The board unanimously approved the temporary use permit for outdoor dining, serving, and consumption of liquor.