Council approves Class A liquor and video-gaming licenses for new Route 31 bar

The McHenry City Council on Jan. 21 approved a Class A liquor license and a local video-gaming license for a new bar-restaurant proposed on Route 31.

The licenses clear the way for an operator who said the business will focus on lunch and dinner items and hours extending into late evening on weekends. The council cited parking and an upcoming state road reconstruction as concerns during the review.

Why it matters: The licenses allow alcohol service and gaming terminals at a storefront on a busy corridor where council members said parking is constrained and state road reconstruction is scheduled in the next two to three years — factors that could affect the new business’s operations and neighborhood impacts.

Deputy Clerk Monty Johnson presented the application and said staff had met with the business owner and included a site layout and menu in the council packet. John Swirk, identified in the meeting as the owner of the building (RJ Properties), introduced the applicant, Andy Panagakis, who is seeking the license.

Panagakis told the council the proposed restaurant will occupy a third space in a building that already houses two eateries and that the menu will differ from the neighboring businesses. "It's going to be completely different from meat and potato and brunch cafe," Panagakis said, adding the new menu will focus on items such as cold-cut sandwiches and other fare "we've laid out a good menu where it's more cold cut sandwiches, stuff like that." He said he operates other restaurants and has food-service experience.

Council members pressed the applicant on parking and hours. Panagakis said tentative weekday hours would start in the morning, with weekend hours extending to 1 a.m. "1 a.m., 2 a.m. on weekends," he said. On parking, councilors noted the building owner and operator had represented they meet the city's parking ordinance for floor space, but several warned that weekend overlap with existing businesses could create shortages.

Council members also advised the applicant that Route 31 will be subject to major utility and road work beginning with utility relocations in 2026 and road construction potentially in 2027–28, creating a likely multi-year construction period in the corridor. City staff said the council worked with building owners to preserve a rear access that will help site access during construction.

The council approved both licenses by roll call. The liquor license was approved as presented; the video-gaming license was approved after the applicant confirmed a state video-gaming license has been obtained.

What’s next: The applicant may proceed with state-level approvals and local licensing steps. Council members said they expect staff and the applicant to monitor parking and construction impacts as the business prepares to open.

Ending note: Council members who raised parking concerns urged the applicant and building owner to proactively manage employee and customer parking during peak weekend periods to avoid future complaints.