Board approves extra Class 3 liquor license for Cilantro Grill at 15 West Ogden

Mayor Nero and the village board approved an ordinance June 11 to increase the number of Class 3 liquor licenses by one so Cilantro Grill (doing business as Cilantro Mexican/Taco Grill) can serve alcohol at 15 West Ogden Avenue.

Deputy Liquor Commissioner Mullhern presented the application, said the applicant passed the required background review and recommended approval. The owner, identified in the meeting as Mr. Patel, described the operation as a Chicago‑born restaurant brand in business since about 2013 and said the proposed service would be a customer amenity rather than a full sit‑down bar. "Our primary business is family‑friendly restaurants," Patel said, and he estimated a build‑out and permitting period of roughly two to three months, with a maximum of three months to opening.

Trustees asked about prior uses of the space and whether video gaming might be added later. Mullhern noted the prior tenant had operated with video gaming and said any future application for gaming would require a separate process; board members emphasized the 365‑day waiting period that applies to gaming license transfers. No board member opposed the liquor license; Trustee Scales moved, Trustee Plowman seconded, and roll call votes approved the ordinance.

The board recorded no conditions on the license in the public discussion. The manager noted a menu and operations plan had been provided for review. The applicant confirmed ownership ties to a nearby strip center and said the business already operates other local fast‑casual concepts.

The license increase passed; the owner and staff said they will return as needed for any separate, future permits (including a possible video gaming application).