LINCOLN SQUARE — Building permits just came through for Nick's Pizza & Pub, which is now aiming to open in the former Grand Tour location come fall, owner Nick Sarillo told DNAinfo.
"We are moving along well ... now in the process of wrapping up the bids with local contractors for the work," Sarillo said via email.
In the coming weeks, Sarillo said he should be able to narrow down the projected opening date.
The pizza joint was announced in summer 2016 and will be the third restaurant for Sarillo, who also operates Nick's in Elgin and Crystal Lake.
Nick's will anchor the corner of Montrose and Artesian, where predecessors have struggled.
The building at 2434 W. Montrose Ave. has been vacant since late 2014, when the ill-fated previous occupant Grand Tour "temporarily" closed to "re-concept" after less than a year in business.
Nick's family-friendly environment and wallet-friendly prices may prove a better fit for the area. In addition to pizza, the restaurant will also serve hot dogs, sandwiches and salads.
"We want to have the kind of place where kids can get done playing at [Welles Park] and come over with the whole football team," Sarillo previously told DNAinfo. "We want it to be a place for kids and families to have fun and feel at home."
Grown-ups can relax at the full bar, which will pour local craft brews, Sarillo said.
"I'm really excited about the opportunity to serve the community with our restaurant experience," he said.
