New Dining Options Coming as Village Approves Hot Dog Stand, Restaurant Patio

NEW LENOX – The local dining scene is set for a boost after the Village Board on Monday approved plans for a new hot dog stand and an outdoor patio for a country-themed restaurant.

Trustees granted a Class D liquor license to Nicky V’s, a family-owned hot dog stand, which will be taking over the former Whistle Stop Cafe location off Schoolhouse Road. Owners Nick and Christina Fetto, who live in Frankfort, introduced their business, which has previous locations in Oak Forest, Mount Greenwood, and other south suburbs.

“We are a family-owned, locally small little hot dog stand,” Nick Fetto said. “We’re excited to be here. We live in Frankfort, so we’re super excited to become a part of this community as well.” The board waived its second reading requirement, allowing the business to move forward immediately.

In separate action, the board gave final approval for a special use permit for an outdoor patio at Tru Country, the restaurant planned for the former TJ’s building at 222 W. Maple Street. The approval came with several conditions aimed at balancing business needs with consideration for nearby residents.

The covered patio will be located on the east side of the building. To mitigate noise, the ordinance prohibits food and beverage service on the patio after 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends, though it can remain open for smoking. The board also approved variances for parking after the developer was able to add several on-street and lot spaces.