Later this year, Flossmoor Commons could be home to a new soul food restaurant if all goes according to plan for a local family.
Tabitha Hopkins and her brother Iyare Egonmwan asked the Flossmoor Village Board on Tuesday, July 6, for a liquor license for Not Just Sundays, a soul food restaurant that would fill the space formerly occupied by Gourmet Pizza at 3331 Vollmer Road. The item was only presented for discussion at the meeting, with official action on the liquor license to be taken at a future meeting.
One concern raised by elected officials and administrators is that the Class A liquor license, which allows for service of alcohol on premises, also would grant Not Just Sundays the ability to seek a video gaming license — and the village loses control over that aspect once the liquor license is granted. While Egonmwan said the business is considering adding video gaming machines, the food is the focus of the business, according to the siblings.
Egonmwan lives in Flossmoor. Hopkins said she lived in Flossmoor for 15 years and put her children through Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Hopkins currently does catering but would like to expand her efforts into a full restaurant, according to a report from Village Manager Bridget Wachtel.
“I’ve been cooking since I was 13,” Hopkins told the board. “My grandmother taught me how to cook. She also taught me how to maneuver my way around a tavern, so to speak. … We’ve always been a Sunday soul food type of family.”
The siblings have been in lease negotiations for the space in the Commons, but that is on hold pending Flossmoor’s approval of the liquor license, per Wachtel’s report.
Trustee James Mitros noted the liquor license is similar to what Gourmet had, as well as those held by other restaurants in town.
“As far as I’m concerned, welcome to Flossmoor,” Mitros said.
Mayor reads proclamation honoring Flossmoor Station
The Village of Flossmoor helped Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery celebrate its 25th anniversary with a proclamation issued by Mayor Michelle Nelson.
Dean and Carolyn Armstrong opened Flossmoor Station in 1996 and the brewery is celebrating 25 years this month. The proclamation called it a “gathering place with deep roots in the community.”
The brewery got a standing ovation from board members. Flossmoor Station co-owner Dean Armstrong said much of the success of the business is attributable to a “tremendously supportive community.” He also thanked the village for its support over the years.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Armstrong said. “And a journey that would not have been made possible but for the forward-looking and dedicated mayor of Flossmoor, the dedicated Village Board of Trustees, and dedicated staff as well, and most importantly the members of this community.
“We take pride in the fact that so many members of this community take pride in the Station, as well.”