Third gambling cafe OK’d in Oswego – Chicago Tribune

Oswego has authorized its third video gambling cafe.

Trustees in a 5 to 1 vote approved the gambling licensing and liquor license for Milly's Cafe that will open in a 1,200-square-foot storefront in the Ogden Center strip mall near Routes 34 and 30 on the village's east side.

A representative of Hana's Hospitality, which operates a gambling cafe in Bradley with plans to open two other locations, approached village trustees in March with a proposal for an Oswego location.

Fadi Mohammed returned with his concept to have a video gambling cafe with a New York deli style menu. Bradley-based Hana's Hospitality owns New York City Deli in Bourbonnais.

Trustee Joe West voted against the idea of another gambling cafe in the village. He previously had said he thought the village was getting away from its original intent with video gambling, which he said was to help local establishments compete with other businesses in neighboring municipalities.

Trustee Karin McCarthy-Lange decided to support the business even though she previously had stated she would prefer the village not approve any new video gambling in the village.

"The last time you were here, I may not have been very friendly," McCarthy-Lange said. "I was impressed with what you came back with."

The village has two other video gambling cafes. Stella's Place opened earlier this year in the Townes Crossing shopping center at Route 30 and Douglas Road. PD's Place opened in the Mason Square shopping center at Route 34 and Douglas Road in 2015.

Nine other sites in Oswego, which include restaurants and bars as well as one fraternal organization and a club, have video gambling as a part of their operations.

Village Administrator Dan Di Santo said the Village Board has discussed limiting the number of gambling parlors, but decided to consider each location on a case-by-case basis.

"We plan to discuss regulation of gaming again at a Committee of the Whole meeting this summer," Di Santo said.

Milly's Cafe will have five gambling machines. Mohammed said the state requires gambling cafes to serve food as part of their operations. With the local liquor license, he will be able to serve liquor, beer and wine. However, at his other locations, he has been authorized to serve beer and wine only.

Mohammed said he has no preference either way.

"To me, it doesn't really matter. We don't really get people that drink often. It's not what they are there for," he said.

When asked about the proportionate share of revenues from serving alcohol and food, he said, "The majority of it will come from the gaming. We are required to have food and some kind of alcohol beverage. The majority of the revenues for us is from the gaming itself."

Mohammed said the state receives 25 percent of the gaming revenues, while Oswego will receive 5 percent.

He said the lounge will have seating for six.

"I don't see that being an issue, Mohammed said. "Our Bradley location has 900 square feet. The idea of the business is a gaming venue 99 percent of the people know they are coming in to game."

Only people 21 years old and older will be permitted in the establishment.

Village officials said the storefront has been vacant since the strip mall was built about 10 years ago.

Mohammed said he had no problem being next door to an indoor virtual gun range that will open in two storefronts in the same commercial strip center.

The village also has no problem with having them side-by-side.

"I don't see any issue land use wise," Di Santo said.

Under the village's requirements, the business will not be permitted to have neon or window signage.

"We want to ensure gaming parlors have aesthetically pleasing curb appeal as not to negatively impact surrounding storefronts and property," he said.

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News

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Third gambling cafe OK'd in Oswego - Chicago Tribune