DuPage County Board approves variance allowing Lucky 7 Bistro video‑gaming cafe after heated debate

The DuPage County Board voted 15–3 on Feb. 24 to approve DCO‑6‑26 (zoning 2548), granting Lucky 7 Bistro a zoning variation to allow video gaming terminals within 1,000 feet of an existing gaming facility.

The issue returned to the board as old business after the petitioner, speaking during public comment, said Lucky 7 had completed building permits and inspections, received a certificate of occupancy in March 2025, invested more than $200,000 in build‑out, and sought relief after the county established a 1,000‑foot separation requirement in 2024. "We paid for and obtained a building permit in November 2023," the petitioner told the board during public comment, adding that 77 neighboring households signed a petition in support.

Board members sharply divided on whether the county-created zoning change constituted a hardship. Member Tornatore, sponsoring the motion to approve, summarized the procedural history — unanimous Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation, development committee approval, an earlier county denial and a motion to reconsider — and said the facts show the petitioner acted in reliance on earlier approvals. "They paid for and obtained a building permit prior to the 1,000‑foot requirement," Tornatore said, urging the board to recognize a hardship created by the county's midstream zoning change.

Opponents pointed to the county's zoning standard and to community concerns. Member Cahill said she would vote no to uphold the zoning law and to heed Addison residents and the mayor. Member Covert noted the facility is adjacent to single‑family residential areas and within about 200 feet of an existing gaming establishment.

Several members warned of possible legal exposure if the board denied the petitioner after the business expended large sums in reliance. Member Krogzewski and others cited past court rulings that favored petitioners in similar reliance cases. The county's state's attorney said outcomes can vary but acknowledged the legal risk raised by board members.

The motion carried on roll call, 15 ayes and 3 nays. The board did not set additional countywide limits during the vote; Member Evans later encouraged the development committee to study whether the county can cap gaming licenses or otherwise address gaming density within the limits of state law.

The board record shows the action as DCO‑6‑26 (zoning 2548 Lucky 7 Bistro), approved 15–3. Next steps for the petitioner under county process were not detailed during the public portion of the meeting.