The plans for a new “Caddyshack” restaurant in Wilmette continue to progress, now with Village Board approval of a special use permit for the project, but when the establishment will open is still up in the air.
On March 8, the Village Board approved a special use permit for the proposed restaurant, which would be a throwback to the ’80s golf-themed movie “Caddyshack” starring actor Bill Murray, at 200 Skokie Boulevard. The space was previously occupied by a Bakers Square restaurant.
The board’s move followed a previous recommendation from the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
The restaurant ownership group is highlighted by actor Bill Murray and his brothers, who were born and raised in Wilmette, and the eatery will be their third with the “Caddyshack” theme – with current locations in nearby Rosemont and in Florida.
“This is something the Murray brothers are very excited about … to come back home, so to speak,” said Marcus Cook, the commercial real estate broker representing the owners.
The plan is to open a restaurant with seating for some 200 people inside and approximately 30 outdoors. The décor of the eatery is set to pay homage to the 1980 film, “Caddyshack,” where Murray starred as eccentric groundskeeper Carl Spackler.
Under village ordinance, a special use permit was required because the proposed Caddyshack restaurant would be bigger than the allowable 5,000 square feet, said Assistant Village Manager Erik Hallgren
However, the proposed restaurant drew some concerns from neighbors related to noise, lighting, parking and hours of operation.
Ruth Carol said she is happy to see life again in what is now a closed space. Still, though, she is apprehensive.
“For us, it is replacing a family style restaurant that did not serve alcohol with a restaurant bar serving bar fare and a few entrees,” Carol said, referring to other objectors.
Susan Zoline, president of a neighboring town house association, wants the village to conduct a traffic flow study as part of the approval process.
Following the February ZBA approval, village officials spoke with some residents who live near the site, Village President Senta Plunkett said. Afterward, the “Caddyshack” plan was modified to include a requirement that an 8-foot privacy fence be installed. A fence that tall, however, would have to have separate village approval due to an existing height limitation.
Other alterations include a stipulation that a ground sign on Skokie Boulevard may only be illuminated during operating hours, options for offsite and valet parking for employees and customers if the need develops, and stated hours of operation of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Trustee Kate Gaija said the owners were making an effort to address the neighbors and then joined the rest of her colleagues in voting for the special use permit.
“I hope that we set this restaurant up for success,” Gaija said. “I think it is great that we have Wilmette natives returning to start a restaurant. I hope it is successful meeting space and I hope that you continue to work with the neighbors that it is a space they are also comfortable with.”
The owners will now have to apply for various permits from the village and seek approval from the Appearance Review Commission for the proposed fence, according to Community Development Director John Adler.
The real estate broker said he is hoping the restaurant opens some time later this year or early 2023. Cook explained that nationwide supply chain issues have delayed the opening process.
“We want to make sure we get the design right and everyone is happy,” Cook said.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelancer.
