Journal & Topics Media Group

Second Restaurant Expected To Take Advantage Of Des Plaines Incentive


A second new restaurant will open in downtown Des Plaines early next year by taking advantage of the city of Des Plaines’ restaurant incentive program.

Slyce Pizza, with restaurants currently located in far north suburban Wauconda and Highwood, received quick city council approval Monday night (Oct. 15) to participate in the program. It is scheduled to open in the former Leona’s Italian Restaurant site at 1504 Miner St.

Leona’s closed its downtown location in 2017. The property is about a block east of the Des Plaines Theater, which is undergoing major renovation after being purchased by the city earlier this year.

The mother-daughter team of Laurie Barth and Brittany Barth, on behalf of Slyce Coal Fired Pizza Company, applied for a city Downtown Restaurant Grant requesting $100,000 to pay for start-up, build-out costs. The property includes a single-story building with room for a 4,000 sq. ft. restaurant and bar.

The Barths currently operate two sit-down restaurants in Wauconda and one in Highwood. They have entered into a 10-year lease term with the building’s owners with a five-year extension.

The owners intend to completely renovate the space and improve the interior with a permanent bar, two permanent coal pizza ovens, and a new roof. Approximately 35 to 50 new jobs will be created.

Earlier this year, the city approved the first applicant for the $100,000 incentive. Firewater Saloon is expected to open a new restaurant in the former Oliveti’s Restaurant location in 2019.

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