Frankfort Village Board Reduces C-1 Liquor Licenses, Approves New Venue

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | January 12, 2026

Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board voted to reduce the number of Class C-1 liquor licenses available in the village following the closure of Sorriso Ristorante. In a separate move, the board approved a special use permit for “Blank Space,” a new boutique micro-event venue in downtown Frankfort.

Frankfort Village Board Key Points:

• Liquor License Reduction: The number of Class C-1 liquor licenses was reduced from ten to nine due to the non-renewal of Sorriso Ristorante’s license.

• New Downtown Venue: A special use permit was granted for “Blank Space” at 114 Kansas Street, Unit B, allowing for indoor entertainment.

• Wetland Credits Purchase: The board approved the appropriation of over $311,000 in Motor Fuel Tax funds to purchase wetland mitigation credits for the Pfeiffer Road extension project.

• Land Sale: The village approved the sale of a property at 22677 Lilly Pad Lane for $141,000.

The Frankfort Village Board convened on Monday, January 12, 2026, for its first meeting of the new year, addressing liquor licensing, land use, and infrastructure funding.

Mayor Keith Ogle led the board in approving an amendment to the village’s liquor ordinance, reducing the number of Class C-1 licenses from ten to nine. The Class C-1 license designation is for full-service restaurants with a bar that do not offer carry-out liquor. Mayor Ogle explained the reduction reflects the “non-renewal of the state of Illinois liquor license which automatically negated the local liquor license for Sorriso’s restaurant.”

In development news, the board granted a special use permit for indoor entertainment to “Blank Space,” a new business proposed by Alexandra Masterson. Located at 114 Kansas Street, Unit B, the venue is described as a “boutique micro-event venue” intended for private events and specialty workshops. The permit includes a condition prohibiting performance art activities involving musical instruments or theatrical performances to mitigate potential disturbances.

The board also took action on infrastructure financing, passing a resolution to appropriate $311,812.03 in Motor Fuel Tax funds. These funds will cover the purchase of 2.58 certified wetland credits from the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Mitigation Bank, a requirement for the Pfeiffer Road extension project.

Additionally, trustees approved the sale of village-owned property at 22677 Lilly Pad Lane in the Timber’s Edge subdivision. Following a house fire and subsequent demolition by the village, the property was acquired through a lien. The board accepted a high bid of $141,000 from Hosam Bader, exceeding the minimum bid threshold set by the village.