Planning commission recommends seasonal wine service, expanded menu for Morcus Chocolates at 1890 N. Rand Road

The Palatine Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 8 to recommend that the Village Council approve a special-use amendment permitting seasonal accessory wine service and limited additional food offerings at the outdoor seating area associated with Morcus Chocolates, 1890 North Rand Road.

Owner Rhonda Dean told the commission the business, which she said has operated at the location since 1967, seeks limited wine service during the slower summer months to boost revenue and retain staff. Dean told commissioners the seasonal plan would run during summer months only (Memorial Day–Labor Day was discussed, with the petitioner proposing June–August this year and saying she planned to open in July). She said service would be weather dependent, with no service when it rains, and that orders would be placed at a service counter and delivered to patrons rather than using table-side waitstaff.

Staff reported the site and floor plans would remain unchanged, that the outdoor area has operated without complaints for many years, and that the limited seasonal hours and accessory nature of the request do not raise initial specific staff concerns. Staff recommended approval subject to the special use substantially conforming to the submitted business plan and floor plan and to village codes and ordinances.

Commission discussion covered the existing use of the patio, parking, prior site improvements (including ADA-updated restrooms), and operational details including temporary signage and liquor-service training for employees. Staff said that if the petitioner later sought to add an additional month to the seasonal period, that would likely be handled administratively as a minor special-use amendment with an email or letter to planning administration and an administrative sign-off if no issues were identified.

The motion to approve the special use, made by Commissioner Cindy Rothwurster and seconded by a second commissioner recorded as “Pam,” passed on a unanimous roll call (Commissioners Kevin Kavanagh, Rodney Bettenhausen, Cindy Rothwurster, Jan Wood, Eric Freedman, Patrick Noonan, Steven Fedoda and Tim Schubert). The staff transmittal notes the matter will be forwarded to the Village Council for consideration at its April 14, 2025 meeting.

The petitioner said she intends to secure the appropriate liquor license for wine, train staff on responsible service, and use only temporary banners or movable signage for promotion; no permanent new signage was proposed.