Frankfort Township Board Denies Permit for New Bar on St. Francis Road

Frankfort Township Board | September 8, 2025

Article Summary: The Frankfort Township Board on Monday unanimously denied a special use permit required for a new bar to open at 7663 W. St. Francis Rd. The decision followed public comments from a resident expressing opposition to the expansion of liquor licenses, bars, and video gambling in the Frankfort Square area.

St. Francis Road Bar Permit Key Points:

• The board voted 3-0 to deny a special use permit requested by Dipkrit LLC for its tenant, Shankaraya Inc.

• The permit was a necessary step for the business to apply for a liquor license to operate a bar at the location.

• During public comments, Frankfort Square resident Ted Westerberg voiced opposition from himself and others to more bars, liquor licenses, and video gambling in the community.

The Frankfort Township Board on Monday, September 8, 2025, unanimously rejected a request for a special use permit that would have paved the way for a new bar to open on St. Francis Road. The denial came after a local resident spoke out against the proliferation of liquor licenses and gambling in Frankfort Square.

The request was brought by Dipkrit LLC on behalf of its tenant, Shankaraya Inc., for the property located at 7663 W. St. Francis Road. The purpose of the special use permit was to allow the tenant to apply for a liquor license and operate a bar at the site.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, resident Ted Westerberg of Frankfort Square addressed the board, stating that he and other residents are opposed to any new bars, additional liquor licenses, and more video gambling in the Frankfort Square area.

Following the public comment, the board took up the zoning issue as an item of old business. Trustee Thomas Kennedy made a motion, seconded by Trustee Hillary Kurzawa, to recommend approval of the permit. However, when the roll call vote was taken, the motion failed unanimously. Kennedy, Kurzawa, and Supervisor Nick George all voted “nay,” officially denying the request. Trustees Jessica Kot and Dave Smith were absent from the meeting.

The board’s decision reflects the community concerns voiced during the meeting, effectively halting the process for the proposed establishment to obtain a liquor license and operate as a bar in that location.