Flossmoor’s selfie-focused The Mommie Experience will have the ability to serve alcoholic beverages going forward, but only during private parties.
The Flossmoor Village Board voted 5-0 on Monday, June 6, to create a Class E-VGP liquor license to pave the way for The Mommie Experience to serve alcoholic beverages exclusively during private events. Trustee Gary Daggett was absent.
“I wish you luck,” Trustee George Lofton said. “I think you have a very impressive and fun business for the community.”
The owners of The Mommie Experience originally pitched their plan for the business, a selfie studio located in Flossmoor Commons, to the board on March 21. Then, partners Nicole Johnson, Ladonna Bradford and Kesha Williams-Kimble asked for a liquor license that would allow them to serve wine and cocktails to clients.
But public officials expressed some concerns about how to allow for on-site alcohol consumption without classifying the business as a bar. Flossmoor has not allowed bars to date and did not want to grant a license that would open that door. The village has only allowed for on-premise alcohol consumption when it is associated with a restaurant.
Village Attorney Kathleen Field Orr in March pitched the idea of tying the license to events only.
“What we want to do is facilitate your business, but we want to make sure we’re not opening Pandora’s box,” Orr said.
The business, located at 3327 Vollmer Road, Suite B, features 12 selfie installations with a theme of motherhood. It caters to families and friends, but is also open to events such as baby showers and karaoke nights, according to the owners.
Village Manager Bridget Wachtel reported to the board that the Building Department confirmed compliance with all health code regulations for food and drink to be served. The owners initially said they did not plan to serve food but were open to the idea of a snack bar.
The approved ordinance allows for on-site alcohol consumption only during private events held between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. No video gaming will be permitted, according to Wachtel.
Following the board’s creation of the license, The Mommie Experience owners were able to make an administrative application for the license, according to the board report.
Proclamations and Resolutions
- Mayor Michelle Nelson issued a proclamation declaring June 2022 as Pride Month in Flossmoor. She noted the community is energized by diversity and inclusion, and is displaying the pride flag as a symbol of its solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
- Nelson also issued a proclamation declaring June 19 as Juneteenth in Flossmoor. The holiday recognizes the day when remaining slaves in Texas were finally freed in 1865 more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Nelson read a resolution honoring Dr. Von Mansfield, the outgoing superintendent of 21 years at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233. She said Mansfield has served the community with distinction, and noted his “loyal and dedicated” service.
- Nelson also read a resolution honoring Jane Harper, a retiring librarian of 16 years for Homewood-Flossmoor High School. Nelson highlighted Harper’s work in inspiring students at the high school, as well as distinguished service to the community.