Vernon Hills commission backs Guzman Gomez drive‑thru with conditions on signs, landscaping

The Vernon Hills Plan Commission voted on a package of approvals for a proposed Guzman Gomez Mexican Kitchen at 701 North Milwaukee Avenue, recommending a special use for a restaurant with a drive‑thru and a set of sign and setback variances while attaching conditions on signage, landscaping and pedestrian access.

Kelsey Neil Nolat, zoning and entitlement counsel for the petitioner, told the commission the team proposes demolishing the former Top Fitness and constructing a roughly 2,406‑square‑foot Guzman Gomez with one drive‑thru lane, an outdoor patio and parking. “We respectfully request your recommendation of the final site plan, the architectural plans, the landscaping plans and our request for zoning relief,” Nolat said.

Jason Trombley, head of U.S. development for Guzman Gomez, emphasized the importance of a drive‑thru to the concept, saying “the drive‑thru is a very important part of our business” and that the chain is testing U.S. locations to build brand recognition. The petitioner’s civil and design team (Kimley Horn) said the plan provides stacking for 12 vehicles at the drive‑thru and that the site layout was…