Hoffman Estates panel clears three liquor-license petitions for breakfast cafe, private-event venues

The Hoffman Estates liquor commission released licenses Tuesday for three businesses seeking on‑site alcohol service: Pancake Cafe Hoffman Estates LLC, Game night out Hoffman Estates LLC and Playroom Cafe Social LLC.

At the first hearing, petitioner William Dennis Peterson identified himself for the record as representing Pancake Cafe Hoffman Estates LLC at 3101 N. Barrington Road and clarified planned hours and food service with Mayor William D. McLeod and Trustee/Commissioner Mills. Peterson said the restaurant will “open at 7 a.m.” and that the latest the business will sell alcohol is “10:00.” He told the commission the location will serve food across its posted hours and that a separate menu will be used for the Hoffman Estates site; Peterson said the menu at his Chicago location (which runs roughly 8 a.m.–3 p.m.) is different from the new site and that he would provide an updated menu for the village.

The chair called for public questions; none were raised. The commission moved, seconded and then adopted the release to the petitioner. Commissioner Keneen, Trustee/Commissioner Mills and Mayor McLeod each recorded “aye” on the roll call. The petitioner was told he could pick up the license the following day, pending final ordinance passage.

At the second hearing, Brandon Mohika and Aaron Mohika appeared for Game Night Out Hoffman Estates LLC (2000 Center Drive, Suite B‑207). Brandon Mohika, identified as a company representative, described the business as a private‑event venue that hosts interactive party games for private groups: “We’re a private event venue where we host private groups, family, friends, corporate events,” he said, and described two private rooms with capacities up to 30 per room and up to 60 when combined. Mohika said the business charges a flat per‑person rate for a two‑hour experience (currently $75) and that any alcohol service would require food on site; he told the commission food service is “required for beverage service.” After questions from the commission, the panel approved the license; Commissioner Kane, Trustee/Commissioner Mills and Mayor McLeod recorded “aye.”

At the third hearing, Magdalena Liv, owner of Playroom Cafe Social (2308 W. Higgins Road), told the board the business has been open about a month and has already received “over 200 requests in the first week” for private parties. She said operating hours vary by day (generally until 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.) and that the venue plans to accept private reservations while building staff capacity. The commission approved the release to petitioner on a roll call vote with Commissioner Kinane, Trustee/Commissioner Mills and Mayor McLeod recorded as “aye.”

All three hearings concluded with the commission moving to adjourn. License applicants were told about next steps and timing for pickup after ordinance procedures were completed.

Votes, roll‑call results and the record of the hearings have been submitted to the village clerk’s office and will appear in the minutes of the April 7 meeting.