Journal Reporter

Those seeking dinner and a movie in downtown Des Plaines may soon have more options.

New Mexican and Chinese restaurants are on the horizon next to the Des Plaines Theater.

The Mexican eatery now attached to the Des Plaines Theater is expected to be replaced by an upscale Mexican restaurant. Burrito Express, 1470 Miner St., has a lease that expires in June 2005.

In addition, a Chinese restaurant named "Bolds" is slated to open next-door to the site at a storefront formerly occupied by Fannie May candy, 1476 Miner St.

Theater owner Dhitu Bhagwaker said a businessman is interested in opening a sit-down Mexican restaurant at the 1470 Miner location. The current food stop has been selling burrito's there since June of 1988. Many years ago, it was the site of a family-owned pharmacy.

Bhagwaker declined to name the potential new tenant since lease negotiations are underway.

"The lawyers are still working on it," he said.

Burrito Express is run by José Echeverria and his business partner Fernando Perez.

The new restaurant would require remodeling that includes flooring, ceiling and kitchen work. The new tenant has also inquired about a liquor license for the restaurant.

Paul Saletnik of the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society said the current tenant will likely remain for several more months.

"It will take several months for him to get the plans together. It could take a year before everything is ready." Saletnik said the new eatery is planning to upgrade the storefront appearance. The upgrades are set to include new singage and a new canopy.

"If these plans come to fruition, it would make our building look better," Saletnik said.

Bolds is currently applying for remodeling permits, according to the Des Plaines Building Dept.