American Grill Looks to Take Over Charleyhorse Location

Updated 9 a.m. Jan. 24

The Village Board pulled this item from its agenda Monday because the Charleyhorse owner and the person looking to move into that location have not signed a lease yet.

Previously, Charleyhorse owner Bryan Sord said the new business would seek a liquor license and then negotiate a lease, but a signed lease is required to petition for a liquor license.

Previously

The restaurant in New Lenox could close if the owner comes to an agreement with a new business.

At the Monday, Jan. 23 Village Board meeting, trustees will consider approving a liquor licenses for business owner Peter Gelis and his restaurant, Van Horne's American Grill.

Mayor Tim Baldermann said Friday that the American Grill would take over the Charleyhorse location at Route 30 and Marley Road. Baldermann said that if the American Grill is granted its liquor licenses Monday night, the ideal turnaround in Gelis' mind would be quick.

However, Charleyhorse owner Bryan Sord said there isn't a deal in place yet.

"I have nothing in writing," Sord said. "I'm not closing down. (Gelis is) going to find out if he can get a liquor license and then we would talk and negotiate a lease."

Sord hung up the phone before he could be asked to provide more information.

Baldermann said Sord, who also runs a location in Tinley Park, was looking to sell the New Lenox location a few years ago.

The Charleyhorse location is already properly zoned for what the American Grill would be looking to do, and the approval of a liquor license seems reasonable because there were no issues in Gelis' background check, Baldermann said.

Gelis was not immediately available to comment but will be at the Village Board meeting Monday, which is at 7 p.m. in .