With floor plans in hand, Flossmoor’s Randall Smith inched closer to liquor license approval for the Poppin Corks Bistro he plans to open in Flossmoor Commons.
While his plans were presented for discussion only during the Monday, April 17, Flossmoor Village Board meeting, trustees commented in support of Smith’s plans. An official vote to add a Class A liquor license, which would allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol on the premises, is expected at the board’s next meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 1.
“It sounds like you have full support of the board,” Mayor Michelle Nelson told Smith.
Smith originally came before the board for his liquor license request in February, noting Poppin Corks would fill the 2,700-square-foot space formerly occupied by Siam Thai at 3311 Vollmer Road. The business would feature American cuisine and focus on “celebrating life and life’s achievements,” as Smith put it in February, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic corked beverages.
But in February, Smith did not have any floor plans to present to the board. Nelson and several trustees then said they wanted to see the interior layout and architectural work before moving forward with the liquor license.
At the April 17 meeting, trustees praised the renderings Smith brought back, said they had a better understanding of his plans for the space and noted their questions had been answered. Several offered well wishes for Poppin Corks.
“I know it often feels like tons and tons of hoops to jump through,” Trustee Gary Daggett said. “I’m looking forward to being able to move forward with you and getting your establishment set up.”
Village Manager Bridget Wachtel noted in February that granting a liquor license for consumption on premises leaves the door open for video gaming. Once the liquor license is granted, a video gaming license is an administrative process that does not involve further village board approval. But Smith said he is not interested in video gaming unless the business expands at some point.
“As of right now, I’m going to wait,” Smith said.
Smith added that he hopes to host live music on a portable stage. Occupancy would be roughly 70 patrons. Poppin Corks is expected to be open until 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and until midnight Friday-Sunday, according to a report by Wachtel.
Smith noted in February that once he gets the green light for the project, he thinks it will take roughly 90 days to get the business open. The space will see changes to the floor plan and signage, but Smith said he did not intend to make any major structural changes. Wachtel’s report adds Smith is planning a new floor, banquet booths, wood restaining and a fresh coat of paint.