Special exception granted for new Mexican restaurant at 2225 West Lincoln Highway

The Town of Merrillville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception (case Z8E6-0325) to permit a dine-in Mexican restaurant at 2225 West Lincoln Highway. The vote was unanimous.

Petitioner Amador Gutierrez said he plans to open a new restaurant at the address. A staff report identified the proposed operator (Lehi Hemador, described in the staff report as an existing restaurant chain with seven other locations) and said the site previously housed a restaurant, providing existing infrastructure for another food service use. The report listed 106 indoor seats and about 80 patio seats and projected approximately 16 employees.

Board members asked about entertainment and the condition of the building; the petitioner said he plans initially to open without entertainment and to keep the patio open. The petitioner and staff said the building requires work before opening; the petitioner did not provide a specific opening date but said he would advise staff and the public when the Town Council hearing is scheduled.

No members of the public spoke for or against the petition during the hearing. The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the special exception for this petitioner and location only; the motion passed 5-0. Staff will coordinate permit reviews and advise the petitioner on next steps for licensing and inspections required for dining operations.