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.