Chef Jamie Gilmore to launch Lizzie Jays diner in Downtown Aurora

The Aurora Committee of the Whole convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss significant developments in the city, particularly focusing on the revitalization of the Terminal Building and the introduction of a new restaurant concept by Chef Jamie Gilmore.

The meeting began with Chef Gilmore, owner of LJ Hospitality Group, presenting her vision for Lizzie Jay's, an elevated brunch and dining experience rooted in soul food and New Orleans cuisine. Gilmore highlighted her restaurant's growth, noting an increase in monthly revenue from $5,000 to approximately $35,000, and projected first-year earnings of $1.5 million upon opening in Downtown Aurora. She emphasized the restaurant's aim to cater to a diverse clientele and provide a special dining experience for theatergoers.

Council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, with Alderman Smith recalling fond memories of the previous diner at the Terminal Building, which had been vacant for over two decades. Gilmore indicated that the average meal price would range from $15 to $40, depending on the menu selection.

The discussion transitioned to the financial aspects of the project, with City officials detailing a structured loan agreement. The city plans to provide a $200,000 loan to Urban Equity, the building's owner, and a $250,000 loan to Gilmore, both sourced from the city's Transformation Fund. This fund, established from a $16 million recapture payment related to data center developments, aims to support economic growth while ensuring a return on investment through interest payments.

Chris Minnick, the Chief Financial Officer, explained that the loans would be repaid through sales and food and beverage taxes, with a projected payback period of approximately nine years. The council emphasized the importance of these loans as assets that would contribute to the city's financial health.

Urban Equity's representatives, including COO Jeff Ordano, discussed the challenges faced during the renovation process, particularly due to rising costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. They confirmed that the total investment in the Terminal Building has exceeded initial estimates, with an additional $350,000 planned for the restaurant's build-out.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency regarding the project's timeline, with expectations set for Lizzie Jay's to open by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The council expressed optimism about the restaurant's potential to enhance the downtown area and attract visitors, marking a significant step in the city's ongoing revitalization efforts.