Papa John's, New Sports Bar Pass First Hurdles to Opening in Frankfort

A national pizza chain and a new sports tavern received unanimous recommendations for their special-use permit requests from the on Thursday, each moving one step closer to becoming a new business in the village.

The recommendations now go before the village board for final approval. 

Papa John’s Pizza requested a permit to open a carryout and delivery restaurant at 21114 S. LaGrange Rd. in the Frankfort Crossings shopping center. If the pizza chain receives approval from the board, it plans to be open in November before Thanksgiving, said Hemal Purhit, the architect for Papa John’s.

The Wild Rover, a new sports bar being opened by Oak Forest brothers John and James Dillon at 20535 LaGrange Rd. in the Vineyards Shopping Center, requested a special-use permit for a liquor license and extended hours until 1 a.m. The commission also stipulated that the owners must improve the landscaping outside the bar if they want to have outdoor seating.

John Dillon said the bar, named for their father's favorite Irish song, is a lifelong dream for his brother. If it receives final approval, the Wild Rover could be open as soon as Oct. 14, he added.