New owner seeks to revitalize iconic restaurant after 40 years

In a recent government meeting, the Board approved an increase in the number of Class 2 liquor licenses by one, following the acquisition of Sri Bistro, a long-established Indian restaurant in Oak Brook. New owner Vijay, who took over the restaurant in May, emphasized his commitment to maintaining high operational standards and ensuring compliance with regulations. He noted that Sri Bistro has been serving the community for 40 years, primarily offering vegetarian cuisine, and expressed interest in potentially expanding the menu to include non-vegetarian options to enhance profitability.

The Board's decision comes after a thorough background review of Vijay and his management team, which revealed no issues that would prevent them from obtaining the necessary licenses. The approval process included a motion and a second from Board members, with all present voting in favor of the license increase.

Additionally, the Board addressed changes in liquor licensing for Sunrise Living of Westmont, which has taken over operations from Aspired Living. Despite the similarity in names, officials clarified that Sunrise is a distinct entity and plans to remain in the community long-term. The Board approved an ordinance to adjust the number of available Class 9b liquor licenses to reflect this ownership change.

The meeting underscored the Board's support for local businesses and their adaptability in response to ownership transitions within the community.