Two Hound Red brew pub to move into former Schmid store in downtown Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN – Plans continue to move forward to bring a brew pub to the former Schmid Gifts and More store in downtown Glen Ellyn.

At its Nov. 14 meeting, the Glen Ellyn Village Board voted to give $30,000 in financial assistance to Jon With, who plans to open Two Hound Red in the former 6,250-square-foot store at 486 Pennsylvania Ave. Schmid was a pharmacy and then a gift store before it closed in 2011 after a 44-year history in the village.

With is the managing partner of Gammon Coach House in Batavia, and he has been involved with several other restaurants. Trustees voted to give With a $15,000 facade improvement grant and a $15,000 downtown retail improvement grant.

Proposed renovations to the building include the installation of a sprinkler system, increased electric service and system, facade enhancements to the storefront windows and doors, and rooftop dining. There would be an estimated $1 million put into the restaurant before it opens.

According to its business plan, Two Hound Red would revolve around a farm-to-table concept, with the food being locally sourced as much as possible. The menu would include such items as pulled pork poutine, chicken satay, burgers, steak and frites, salmon, meatloaf and pizza.

The menu will include gluten-free and vegetarian items. Sales projections for the restaurant are estimated at $2.4 million in the fourth year of operation.

"I've been looking at this building for four years," With told trustees. "We like the town."

With would be the co-founder and president of Glen Ellyn Brewing Company, which would operate the restaurant. The company plans to supply beer both to the restaurant and Chicago-area businesses.