Papa Passero's owner to expand with gaming cafes

WESTMONT – A Westmont restaurant is going all in on video gaming with the addition of two new cafes that will focus on gambling in a relaxed environment.

Laura Trilla, owner of local Italian eatery Papa Passero's, which also offers gaming, received unanimous approval from the Village Board on Thursday for the licenses necessary to open the establishments.

“A lot of people do enjoy video gaming,” Trilla said. “I've had standing room only for quite a bit at Papa's.”

The cafes, which will be named Laura's, will feature video slots and poker, as well as beer, wine and select menu items from Trilla's restaurant. She hopes to see both locations, 6356 S. Cass Ave. and 1125 Fairview Ave., open by June 1.

The storefronts are currently in the renovation process, and when completed, they will have the same cozy, classic aesthetic as Papa Passero's, Trilla said. Each will include a dining section, lounge and five video terminals, upon approval by the Illinois Gaming Commission.

The village has seen significant returns and a positive response from the business community since the board approved video gaming in 2012.

In December 2014 alone, Westmont took in $12,891 in gaming revenue, according to trustee Bob Scott.

Eight businesses in the village currently offer video gambling, with a combined 38 licensed terminals, according to Communications Director Larry McIntyre.

Deputy Chief Jim Gunther said the Westmont Police Department hasn't seen an uptick in crime or an effect on officers' day-to-day work as a result of businesses similar to those Trilla plans to open in the coming months.

“We're glad you're here,” Mayor Ron Gunter said Thursday.

For Trilla, a Willowbrook resident who has worked at Papa Passero's more than four decades, the choice to expand in Westmont was an easy one.

“Westmont has been really my home for 40 years,” she said.