Orland Park planning commission approves redevelopment of former Red Robin with outdoor seating and setback modification

The Orland Park Planning Commission voted unanimously July 7 to approve a redevelopment plan for the former Red Robin building at 15503 LaGrange Road, clearing a special-use permit for a restaurant with outdoor seating and a modification to allow a trash enclosure within the street setback.

Scott Stefanik, a longtime real estate broker who identified himself as a 50% partner in the property, told the commission the group bought the site back from a Florida investor and marketed the 6,000-square-foot building. "We're thrilled to bring them into Orland Park," Stefanik said of the two prospective tenants he described: Kava, a fast-growing Mediterranean grill, and Scout, a small-format veterinary urgent-care clinic.

Planning staff recommended approval, saying the proposal retains the existing building with exterior alterations, creates a new tenant space and a future second tenant space, adds an outdoor patio, relocates the trash enclosure and includes parking-lot and landscaping upgrades. "Staff recommends the planning commission approve a special use permit for a restaurant with outdoor seating, and staff recommends the planning commission approve a modification from section 6-2-10-f-4 to allow a trash enclosure within the setback area between the building facade and the street," the staff presentation said.

Commission counsel Anne clarified the commission was considering only the restaurant special-use permit and redevelopment tonight; she said any separate use for the second tenant (Scout) would require its own application and special-use review when proposed. "Although the petitioner has mentioned a 2nd tenant, ... that was not part of the current application package that is before you," she said.

Commissioners praised the proposed brick facade and landscaping. Commissioner Schuessler said he supported the changes and called the proposed materials "an appropriate use." Commissioner Benton asked where the relocated refuse enclosure would be sited and how it would be screened; petitioner and staff said it will be placed on the east/southeast portion of the property, away from LaGrange Road, and that screening details will be shown on the revised site and landscape plans.

Staff listed several preconditions before the case goes to the Board of Trustees, including submission of a revised landscape plan addressing review comments, a tree inventory for existing trees 4 inches and greater, required buffer plantings along the north property line, an additional parking-lot island, monument boulevard landscaping and tree preservation mitigation calculations.

Commissioner Schuessler moved to approve the staff-recommended action for case 2026-0446; Commissioner Paul seconded. The motion passed unanimously; votes recorded were Aye from Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner Shalaby, Commissioner Fenton, Commissioner Schuessler, Commissioner Paul and Chairman Parisi.

The commission closed the public hearing and adjourned at 7:24 p.m.