Committee Approves Frankfort Township Gaming Bar on Split Vote

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025

Article Summary: Despite an objection from Frankfort Township, a proposed video gaming bar on West St. Francis Road is moving forward after the Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a special use permit in a narrow 3-2 vote.

Frankfort Gaming Bar Key Points:

• The committee voted 3-2 to approve a special use permit for a bar with video gaming at 7663 West St. Francis Road in Frankfort Township.

• The applicant, represented by Christian James of Elite Gaming, plans to serve beer and wine with a three-drink limit in a former dry-cleaning unit.

• Frankfort Township objected to the proposal, citing concerns over the proliferation of video gaming establishments in the area.

• The Planning and Zoning Commission previously recommended approval with a 6-0 vote.

FRANKFORT, IL — A proposed video gaming establishment in Frankfort Township narrowly gained the support of the Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday, November 6, 2025, which voted 3-2 to recommend approval of a special use permit for a bar.

The applicant plans to open the bar, which enables it to acquire a state video gaming license, in a vacant former dry-cleaner’s unit in a multi-tenant commercial building at 7663 West St. Francis Road. Christian James of Elite Gaming, representing the applicant, described the plan as a small-scale operation. “The plan is just to serve beer and wine, with a three-drink limit,” James said, adding that the establishment would have six video gaming terminals and is not intended to be a “rowdy kind of bar.”

The proposal faced opposition from Frankfort Township. Committee member Sherry Newquist explained the township’s concerns. “They’re like, ‘these things are everywhere.’ You know, every center is going to have one soon,” Newquist said, relaying conversations she had. “They just don’t like the look of it. They don’t want it.”

Committee member Judy Ogalla voted against the measure, citing the bar’s proximity to large residential areas as inappropriate.

County staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission had both recommended approval, noting that the proposal meets all zoning requirements. The site has adequate parking and is located in a commercial strip mall with other businesses that sell liquor. An assistant state’s attorney advised the committee that if an application meets all established criteria and lacks a cap on the number of such businesses in the ordinance, it generally should be recommended for approval.

Committee members Frankie Pretzel and Judy Ogalla voted no, while Sherry Newquist, Dawn Bullock, and Denise Winfrey voted yes. The measure now proceeds to the full Will County Board for a final decision.