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Council approves Union Station lease with La Sociedad Inc. for Casa Contrina at $7,000 monthly base rent
Summary
The council approved a resolution authorizing a lease between the City of Joliet and La Sociedad Inc., doing business as Casa Contrina (Casa Katrina), to occupy Union Station’s first-floor restaurant space; lease includes a brewing start-up requirement and projects roughly $696,000 in revenue over five years.
The City of Joliet council adopted a resolution Nov. 4 authorizing a lease with La Sociedad Inc., d/b/a Casa Contrina, to operate the first-floor restaurant at Union Station.
Staff described the tenant-selection process: the city issued an RFP, received four complete proposals, and advanced three to interviews; staff said the panel concluded Casa Katrina (Casa Contrina) was the best fit. Emily McGuire summarized recommended lease terms: a $7,000 monthly base rent with 5% annual increases, an initial five-year lease with two five-year renewal options (potentially 15 years), tenant responsibility for utilities and property taxes, and projections the lease will generate about $464,000 over the full lease term and roughly $232,000 in related tax revenues. Staff also said an estimated combined revenue projection for the first five years is approximately $696,000.
The lease contains a condition tied to brewing operations: the tenant intends to use on-site brewing equipment and is negotiating with a former brewmaster; staff said brewing operations must commence within the first six months (with an optional six-month extension), and if brewing has not started within a year the city has the right to revoke the brewing portion of the premises and lease or sell brewing equipment on site without modifying the lease.
Three representatives of the business — Angel Zamudio (owner), Jose Vasquez (co-owner) and Joaquin Anguiano (chef) — introduced the concept, discussed menu offerings and local experience, and told council they expect to open within about 60 days pending licensing.
Council approved the resolution by recorded voice vote.
