Hot Dog Stand Proposed for Main Street, Route 83 Intersection

The idea of a hot dog stand at Main Street and Illinois Highway 83  received a favorable response Monday during a committee of the whole meeting of the Lemont Village Board.

Property owner Gus Tingos is proposing a small carry-out fast food restaurant on a 26,000-square-foot site at 10985 Archer Ave. The restaurant would have an indoor counter and an outdoor seating area, he said

According to village documents, the Technical Review Committee first heard Tingos's plans in December 2009. Though staff members were not opposed to the idea, they expressed concern about site design, as the development would be "a gateway to Lemont" from the Route 83 area.

Previously, the site was home to a small gas station.

Village staff identified a number of requirements for the development to be annexed to the village, including the establishment of a theme that could be used in adjacent parcels, streetscape design elements, and proper landscaping and signage.

At Monday's meeting, Tingos said he wasn’t sure if the restaurant would stay open during winter months.

“If I’m not making money, I’ll go on vacation to Florida,” he said jokingly.

Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy said his only concern was security at the site, which is not in a bustling area.

Tingos said he planned to have drive-up service in the evening and that he didn’t intend to be open in the middle of the night. He said he understood that it might not be wise to be alone at night with money in the cash register.

“I’m not risking my life or anyone else’s," he said.

Shaughnessy indicated he was satisfied with the plans.

Mayor Brian Reaves asked when Tingos wanted to open. He said he hoped to be up and running by this summer.

Tingos still must meet village building requirements. The proposal will return to the Village Board for final action.