TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dustin Anderson, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Lease Agreement Between the City of Joliet and La Sociedad, Inc., DBA Casa Catrina Mexican Heritage Cuisine
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Joliet issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking an experienced restaurateur or hospitality professional to establish a family-friendly business at the old Joliet Union Station, 50 E. Jefferson Street, where the former MyGrain Brewery was located. MyGrain Brewery closed in 2023, and the space has been vacant since then.
A total of four (4) complete proposals were received and reviewed by a group of City staff members across different divisions, including Purchasing, Planning, City Manager’s Office, Facilities, and Economic Development. Following the initial review, staff identified three candidates to advance to the formal interview stage. Following the interview process, staff determined that La Sociedad, Inc. DBA Casa Catrina Mexican Heritage Cuisine (Casa Catrina) was the most appropriate fit for this lease opportunity, based on their personnel bandwidth, previous experience, concept, marketing plan, and available capital. The Casa Catrina team includes Ángel Zamudio, Joaquín Anguiano, and José Vázquez. All three members of the team individually own restaurants and other series of businesses, including Culichi Town in Stone Park, and Tequila CJ in Chicago.
The Economic Development Division proceeded to conduct due diligence to confirm the information submitted by Casa Catrina’s team, which included a comprehensive criminal and financial background check. There were no reportable items found through the background checks.
The proposed terms of the lease include:
• Initial lease term of five (5) years.
• Two (2) five-year renewal options if both parties agree.
• Starting rent of $7,000.00, with a 5% annual increase.
• The tenant will be responsible for all utility bills and property taxes.
• Brewing operations must begin within 12 months of the execution of the lease; otherwise, the City of Joliet reserves the right to sell or lease the equipment to a third party.
The Land Use & Economic Development Committee met on October 22, 2025, and recommended approval by the City Council.
CONCLUSION:
The initial five-year lease is projected to generate $464,153.03 in rent, and approximately $232,000.00 in sales taxes, food & beverages taxes, and property taxes combined. Additionally, this project would activate a key vacancy in the downtown area.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve a Resolution Authorizing a Lease Agreement of Union Station at 50 E. Jefferson Street with La Sociedad, Inc., DBA Casa Catrina Mexican Heritage Cuisine.
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