Westmont board greenlights two liquor licenses; Rail and Rye owners outline family-focused menu

The Westmont Village Board on July 9 approved two liquor-license requests, including one that will allow new restaurant Rail and Rye to sell alcohol when it opens near Whiskey Hill.

Deputy Liquor Commissioner Mulhern presented the applications and introduced the Rail and Rye owners. Co-owner Sofia said the restaurant will be a family-friendly American bar and grill with a curated menu, seed-oil–free cooking, organic options and a health-conscious kids' menu. "We're gonna have fresh ingredients, organic options," Sofia said, and added the partners aim to collaborate with neighborhood businesses and charities. Co-owner Ziyad Al Gaben described his business background and said construction was roughly 95% complete and that the business is pursuing the required state liquor license and inspections.

Mulhern and the board discussed timing and inspections; the board voted to increase the number of available class 2 liquor licenses by one to accommodate Veil Hospitality LLC (doing business as Rail and Rye). Trustee Little moved to approve; Trustee Guzzo seconded and the motion passed by roll call.

The board also approved a liquor license for BAM Theatre at 520 North Cass Avenue. Deputy Mulhern relayed that applicant Melanie Lamoreaux could not attend because she was directing a play; Mulhern said servers will be BASSETT trained and the theatre intends to restrict alcohol to adult patrons in the facility. Trustee Plowman moved to approve the theatre's license; Trustee Little seconded and the board approved the motion by roll call.

What passed: both licensing motions were approved at the meeting record. The board noted state licensing and building/health inspections remain prerequisites before sales begin.

Next steps: Rail and Rye must complete state licensing and local inspections before opening; the theatre must provide BASSETT certification for staff and meet inspection requirements before serving alcohol.