New Lenox Approves Final Plans for The Patio Restaurant, Construction to Begin in December

New Lenox Village Board Meeting | November 10, 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board gave final approval to “The Patio,” a new restaurant planned for the southwest corner of U.S. Route 30 and Prairie Road, paving the way for construction to begin as early as December. The project, the first new location for the family-owned restaurant in many years, is anticipated to open in late summer or fall of 2026.

The Patio Restaurant Key Points:

• The Village Board granted a special use permit for the preliminary and final P.U.D. plat for the new restaurant.

• Construction is expected to break ground in December 2025, with an estimated six- to seven-month build time, targeting a late summer 2026 opening.

• The plan includes a drive-thru, outdoor seating, and an electronic message center sign, with landscaping adjustments made to screen the property from adjacent residences.

• Mayor Tim Baldermann praised the restaurant’s ownership for their reputation and for working collaboratively with concerned neighbors throughout the planning process.

The New Lenox Village Board on Monday, November 10, 2025, unanimously approved final plans for The Patio restaurant, a long-awaited development at the prominent corner of U.S. Route 30 and Prairie Road. The vote grants the special use permit needed for the project to move forward, with the owner indicating construction could begin within weeks.

The approval marks the final step in the village’s review process for the popular drive-in style restaurant, which has existing locations in Orland Park and Bridgeview. Co-owner Steve, representing the family business, told the board they hope to break ground in December 2025.

“If everything goes right, we’re I think hoping to break ground sometime in December to get the project started,” he said. “And then we’re figuring roughly six to seven months. So sometime late summer, fall of ideally, yeah, if we can, let’s say August, September, I think would be ideal.”

Mayor Tim Baldermann lauded the ownership, noting their reputation precedes them. “Not only great food but just a great family and great business owners and that’s who we like to see developing in our town,” Baldermann said. “You’ve also been wonderful in working with neighbors that had concerns as we work through the plan commission as we work through the public hearings.”

The approved site plan includes a drive-thru, an outdoor patio, and walk-up service. During the final review, village staff noted minor revisions made since the first read, including adjustments to signage to comply with village code and the addition of more 6-foot-tall evergreen shrubs along the south property line to provide a better visual buffer for adjacent homes.

Baldermann specifically praised the owners for their willingness to work with residents on issues raised during the planning phase, “all the way down to that mulberry tree.”

“That’s who we like to see here. So, I know the community is incredibly excited about seeing you go,” he added.

The board also approved a setting of surety for public improvements related to the project in the amount of $514,034.50. This financial guarantee ensures that infrastructure elements like sidewalks, curbing, and landscaping are completed to the village’s standards.

With the approvals in place, the developer has already resubmitted permit applications and is in the process of finalizing bids with general contractors to begin site work and foundation pouring. The new location will be the first one built by the family-owned company in several years.