Politics & Government

Brunswick Plan Changes, Advances in Buffalo Grove

Tweaked plan, which includes a more upscale experience, will soon be reviewed by the Plan Commission.

Plans for Brunswick to take over the eSkape Entertainment Center moved a bit closer Monday night, when Brunswick representatives unveiled their latest proposal. 

Brunswick not only wants to bring its brand to Buffalo Grove; the company is now under contract to purchase the eSkape building, which is owned by Inland McHenry Road LLC.

The company had originally planned to lease the space and convert it into a Brunswick Zone XL. Officials said this week that they now intend to introduce an even more upscale facility, branded simply as Brunswick’s.

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Plans include expanding the existing patio to create an outdoor beer garden with a fire pit. Brunswick’s would also offer higher quality food, including paninis and burgers, in a proprietary Tavern ’45 restaurant and feature local craft beers.

“It’s not the food you would think of at a bowling alley,” Mike Fasolo, vice president of operations, said. “It’s American comfort food, but we put our own twist on it.”

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Other Brunswick’s services would include assistance with ball fitting, high-definition screens and even changes to “the scent of the building,” he said.

“It’s all about personalizing the visit when you come through the door,” he said.

The company’s latest concept has already been introduced in two cities in Georgia. Buffalo Grove would make a good third location, Fasolo said, because “it’s a fantastic demographic, great building and close to our [Lake Forest] office.”

The bowling aspect of the facility has not changed. Brunswick’s would feature 32 lanes, an expanded game room with up to 60 coin-operated machines and a laser tag arena.

“It’s designed to be the next generation in family entertainment,” Fasolo said.

Brunswick will need a special use permit from the village to move its plan forward. Trustees on Monday referred the proposal to the Plan Commission. The Plan Commission will consider matters such as the appearance and signage package, as well as a parking for the venue. A public hearing will be held before the proposal returns to the Village Board for a final vote.

Fasolo said the company expects to complete its purchase at the end of May. The facility will then close for several months of remodeling, with Brunswick’s slated for opening at the end of October.


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