Story posted Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Train Station Coffee Shop OK'd
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Mt. Prospect trustees approved a lease agreement with GanderGroup to operate The BeanSpout, a coffee shop that will provide food and other beverages inside the village's downtown train station.
Lilia Guanzon, a resident of Mt. Prospect, will run The BeanSpout. Guanzon has over 15 years of experience in direct customer service and has previously owned a restaurant, according to Director of Community Development Bill Cooney.
Prior to opening, which Guanzon said should occur during the last week of March, there will be improvements completed consisting of painting interior retail space, modifications to counter space, installation of new shelving, and possibly providing cable/Internet services.
Cooney said there is some deterioration to the overall station and village staff and Metra are working together to come up a proposal to share in the costs to renovate the building.
According to Cooney, Guanzon will pay $550 per month for rent and utility expenses to operate her business in the train station. The lease is a one-year lease with renewal options.
Village staff believes this type of business is appropriate for the nature of the retail space and will provide a service to commuters utilizing the station.
"I am really excited because this gives me the opportunity to be part of the community," said Guanzon.
Guanzon projects gross income in the first year to total $2,500 per month---based on the maximum number of customers that come through during a four hour period five days a week.
Hours of operation are expected to be 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Last summer, Tuccio's Italian Restaurant, which previously occupied the depot space, closed in the train station and at its restaurant across the street near Northwest Hwy. and Wille Street.
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