Vernon Hills board approves Raising Cane's drive‑through, esports relocation, Hacienda Real signs and a Laurel Memory Care car show

The Village of Vernon Hills board approved multiple commercial and event permits at its May 4 meeting, voting unanimously on zoning, special-use and sign-code measures that advance three private projects and one community event.

Raising Cane's (151 Town Line Road). Director Jennings introduced three related ordinances to permit a Raising Cane's drive-through at the former Jamison’s property within the Continental Executive Park: Ordinance 2025-057 (zoning variations), Ordinance 2025-058 (special use and associated site, landscape and architectural approvals) and Ordinance 2025-059 (sign-code variations). Jennings said the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Committee of the Whole reviewed the proposals previously. "The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on all the actions on April 2," Jennings said, and the board proceeded to approve each ordinance by roll call.

Beehive/BHOP Esports — Ordinance 2025-060. The board approved a special-use permit allowing Beehive Esports (referred to in the discussion as BHOP Esports) to relocate from Unit 532 to Unit 506 at the Hawthorne Center. Director Jennings said the proposed unit gives the business direct exterior access, allowing operation outside mall hours, and noted minor conditions tied to security and utility modifications. The applicant, who identified himself as Joe, said the plan is to "seal" the former kitchen space and remove equipment so the relocated business will not use the kitchen; he added that the mall and the business will coordinate maintenance and security.

Hacienda Real sign variations — Ordinance 2025-061. Jennings described a sign package for the renovated restaurant at 371 Town Line Road. He told the board the building’s allowed signage (74 square feet) would be increased by the proposed package to roughly 111.6 square feet with the second sign included. A Hacienda Real representative, Abraham Marechia, confirmed the primary internally illuminated channel-letter sign and said the restaurant is targeting late May for opening, pending final inspections.

Laurel Memory Care special event — Resolution 2025-017. The board approved a resolution permitting an outdoor classic car show hosted by Laurel Memory Care at 350 South Milwaukee Avenue on May 23. Laurel representatives (Terry Schultz and Lisette Secundino) said they expect 10–15 cars and plan to use the rear parking area, coordinate with the police department and consult the Lincolnshire Riverwoods Fire Protection District to maintain emergency access. Trustee questions about parking were answered by Laurel staff, who said employees would park off-site (at a nearby furniture store) so visitor parking would be available.

All motions related to these items passed by roll call with 'Aye' votes from trustees recorded during the meeting. Several board members noted prior reviews by the planning commission and Committee of the Whole, and staff said conditions of approval were included in the drafted ordinances where applicable.