A well-known coffee chain, Dutch Bros, is planning to open its first location in Cook County at a former KFC site in Oak Park. The Zoning Board of Appeals will review the proposal on October 8. Dutch Bros aims to revamp the old fast-food restaurant into a modern coffee shop with a drive-thru and walk-up window. This move marks the chain's initial steps into the Chicago area, following recent openings in other Illinois locations.
• The new building will be 1,236 square feet, featuring two drive-thru lanes and a walk-up window.
• The proposal includes demolishing the old KFC and adding outdoor seating and parking for 14 vehicles.
• The project requires special zoning permissions and aims to enhance pedestrian access while limiting vehicular traffic near a nearby middle school.
• Dutch Bros is expanding rapidly, having opened its first Illinois location last month and planning more in the state.
This development is significant as it introduces a popular coffee brand to a new market, potentially attracting more visitors and boosting local commerce. The focus on pedestrian-friendly access reflects a growing trend toward community-oriented retail spaces, which can enhance the overall vibrancy of Oak Park.
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