The Flossmoor Village Board on Monday rejected proposals from video gaming eateries that wanted to set up shop in the village.
The board was asked to select one of three proposals for a liquor license. That would enable the business to apply for a video gaming license and open for business in Flossmoor Commons at Governors Highway and Vollmer Road.
On a 5-1 vote, trustees said they didn’t believe video gaming was what the village should accept as a new business.
Trustee James Mitros was the dissenting vote saying the business could increase Flossmoor’s tax revenue, and he recognized the initiative as a way to bring business to Flossmoor Commons. He did add that he could see both sides of the issue.
The video gaming proposals were described as a café and gathering place for adults. Each company said it was in discussion with Frontline Real Estate, the new landlord at Flossmoor Commons.
Representatives from the three businesses appeared before the board: Stella’s Place, serving breakfast and a variety of appetizers and small plates, operated by Laredo Hospitality; Elsie’s Place offering sandwiches and drinks, operated by Lieberman Companies: and Dotty’s, described as a “country kitchen” breakfast, lunch and dinner operation owned by Illinois Café & Service Company, LLC.
Each business currently operates video gaming sites in Illinois.
In December 2015, trustees rejected a similar proposal for a wine bar and video gaming lounge in what was formerly a medical office suite at Flossmoor Commons shopping center.
A year ago, the board agreed to accept a proposal for video gaming from Flossmoor Station Restaurant owner Dean Armstrong. He has replaced two video game machines in the bar area with the gambling devices just inside the front door.
