Committee approves forwarding restaurant liquor-license transfer for 815 Lounge with a follow-up meeting condition

The Kankakee License and Franchise Committee on July 10 approved forwarding a transfer of Class G liquor license No. 119 for a proposed restaurant at the location previously known as 815 Lounge to the mayor’s office and city council, with a condition that the prospective operators meet with Alderman Prude and other aldermen to discuss parking and other neighborhood questions.

Applicants described the proposed operation as a family-owned bar-and-restaurant or cantina that will emphasize food service and operate roughly 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and later on weekends; they said they hope to open by September if approvals proceed. The prospective operator said he works in the Chicago restaurant industry and that his wife, Angelica, is from Kankakee; neither is a city official.

Alderman Prude said she would like a sit-down meeting with the applicants and Alderman Marshall (and other local aldermen) to discuss parking and neighbor concerns before final city approvals. The committee voted to forward the transfer with that contingency; the chair said the mayor's office would contact applicants and that Director King’s office will follow up on planning steps.

The committee recorded roll-call ayes from multiple aldermen and will expect applicants to meet with Alderman Prude to walk through details about parking and other operational matters before final action by council and planning staff.

Ending: Applicants were advised to coordinate with Alderman Prude and the mayor’s office on a meeting date; planning and inspections will follow as typical for a restaurant conversion.