Zoning board backs 7 Brew drive‑thru on Grand Avenue, requires right‑turn egress signage

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 7–0 May 6 to recommend a conditional‑use permit for a drive‑thru 7 Brew Coffee at 10335 Grand Avenue, subject to a required “Right‑Turn Only” sign at the property egress.

Petitioner Matt Nyweide (Who Brew II, LLC) said the proposal calls for demolishing the existing building and constructing a 510‑square‑foot kiosk with a 280‑square‑foot accessory freezer. Nyweide said the operation would be drive‑thru only, employ 35–40 people (most part‑time high‑school or college students), and operate from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday–Saturday.

Member Wayne Bernacki asked whether outbound traffic to Grand Avenue would be restricted to right turns. Senior Planner Rudolph Repa said the Village Engineer would recommend installing signage instructing drivers to turn right when egressing the site. Chairman Mark Cwik opened the public hearing; no members of the public spoke.

After deliberation the board concluded the proposal met the conditional‑use standards. Member Frank Grieashamer moved to “approve ZBA 26‑04 for a Conditional Use for a drive‑thru coffee shop in the C‑2 Community Shopping District per Village Zoning Code Section 9‑9‑2 Table 9‑1 and Section 9‑9‑5 C regarding Accessory Use Standards for drive‑thru lanes for the property commonly known as 10335 Grand Avenue, in Franklin Park, Illinois, subject to the following conditions: 1. That the applicant install a ‘Right‑Turn Only’ sign at the egress onto Grand Avenue; 2. That this proposed use complies with all Village regulations at all times.” Member Kathy Mennella seconded; roll call was unanimous.

The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Village Board of Trustees for final action.