frankfort village hall graphic logo.4

Frankfort Approves ‘Whisk & Flame’ Culinary Studio, Slashes Parking Requirement for Downtown Property

An experiential culinary studio named Whisk & Flame is set to open in downtown Frankfort after the Village Board approved a series of special use permits and a significant parking variance for the new business on Monday.

The applicant, Joseph Evans, plans to establish the studio at 10 and 12 Elwood Street in the Grainery Village Square. The concept blends interactive cooking classes with a lounge and bar area that will be open to both class participants and walk-in patrons. The unique business model required four special use permits for indoor entertainment, accessory liquor sales, operating as a restaurant/tavern, and extending hours until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

To accommodate the new venture and existing tenants, the board also granted a crucial parking variance, reducing the total required off-street parking spaces for the property at 6-24 Elwood Street from 115 to 47.

“It really aligns well with the comprehensive plan in some of the identified areas where people wanted more activities,” said Trustee Jessica Petrow. “Bringing in a culinary experience, I think it’s just a great complement to the restaurants that are already down there. So, well done to our plan commission and staff for getting that all the way through to today.”

The project received a unanimous 6-0 recommendation from the Plan Commission on June 12. The board’s approval included a condition that the business must implement a minimum 15-minute break between classes to facilitate parking turnover.

In a related action, Mayor Keith Ogle, acting in his capacity as Liquor Commissioner, led a separate vote to increase the number of Class C-2 liquor licenses in the village from six to seven. The new license is designated for Whisk & Flame, allowing it to operate its proposed bar.

Board members expressed enthusiasm for the new business. “I’m really excited about having another place to go to to dine outside and enjoy the downtown area,” Trustee Michael Leddin commented.

Events

26 Aug
28 Aug
28 Aug
29 Aug
30 Aug
30 Aug 25
30 Aug
30 Aug 25

Latest News Stories

frankfort-school-district-161.2-e1754272831494

Meeting Briefs: Summit Hill School District 161 for June 11, 2025

The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education made several major decisions at its June 11 meeting, including the hiring of a School Resource Officer for two schools after...
Will-County-Ad-Hoc-Ordinance-Review-Committee-Meeting-June-10-2025

Will County to Draft New Harassment Policy Amid Debate Over Board Authority

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee will draft a new, county-wide general harassment policy after a lengthy debate on Tuesday revealed the complexities of the county’s legal obligations and...
Will-County-Ad-Hoc-Ordinance-Review-Committee-Meeting-June-10-2025

Committee Uncovers Gaps in County Asset Tracking, Calls for Better System

A review of Will County’s fiscal policies on Tuesday highlighted significant gaps in how the county tracks its physical assets, from office furniture to squad cars, prompting calls from the...
frankfort-park-district

Frankfort Park District in Dispute with Five Oaks HOA Over Park Development Rules

The Frankfort Park District is taking legal steps to untangle itself from the development rules of the Five Oaks homeowners association, asserting that as a public body, it "cannot be...
Meeting-Briefs

In Brief: Ordinance Review Committee Actions

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met June 10 to continue its comprehensive update of the county code. Here are some of the key actions and discussions: Court Fees...
frankfort-park-district.1

Frankfort Park District Kicks Off Busy Summer Season with Races and New Events

The Frankfort Park District is in full summer swing, with a packed schedule of programs and events that includes an expanded day camp, new community parties, and the 25th anniversary...
frankfort-park-district

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Park District Board for June 10, 2025

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners discussed a legal dispute with the Five Oaks homeowners association over park development rules at its Tuesday meeting. Executive Director Gina Hassett reported...
Will-County-Jail-e1750123778582

Will County Jail Faces Major Staffing Crisis as 70 Employees Eligible to Retire by 2030

County officials warn of potential budget impact as adult detention facility grapples with unprecedented turnover Will County's adult detention facility is heading toward a staffing crisis that could significantly impact...
will-county-board.3

Will County Health Department Reports Sharp Decline in Overdose Deaths

2025 fatalities running 40% lower than previous year, officials attribute success to expanded Narcan distribution Will County is experiencing a significant reduction in overdose deaths, with 2025 fatalities running 40%...
will-county-board

Solar Project Extensions Approved as Industry Faces Permitting Delays

Three solar energy projects received 180-day extensions from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday as developers continue working through lengthy permitting processes with utility companies and other agencies....
will-county-board.3

Committee Approves Truck Terminal Despite Residential Concerns

A Monee Township truck terminal received approval from Will County's Land Use & Development Committee Thursday despite concerns about its proximity to residential areas. The committee voted 5-1 to approve...
will-county-board

Will County Health Department Faces Funding Uncertainty as Federal Grants Under Review

Multiple revenue sources threatened as department seeks legislative support for public health programs Will County Health Department officials are closely monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact multiple programs...

Will County Land Use Meeting Briefs

LAND USE ACTIONS Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules Modified: The committee recommended approval of text amendments allowing accessory dwelling units to exceed current building area limitations in certain circumstances. The changes...
will-county-board.2

Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting Briefs

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Tour Praised: Committee members who attended the May 9 tour of Sunny Hill Nursing Home praised the facility's condition and operations. Member Raquel Mitchell called it...
Medicaid-logo

Federal Reconciliation Bill Targets Medicaid, SNAP Programs

Will County Legislators Briefed on Potential Local Impacts Federal legislation making sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could significantly impact Will County residents and services, county legislators learned...