Restaurateur takes over Smith's Central Garage in downtown McHenry

Dan Hart has taken over Smith’s Central Garage in downtown McHenry.

Hart is a McHenry County restaurateur and outgoing Woodstock City Council member. He owns D.C. Cobb’s in McHenry and Woodstock, Hart’s Saloon in Hebron and is part-owner/investor of the newly opened Hub Market, a butcher shop in downtown McHenry.

Smith’s Central Garage is a banquet center in the former Hostess building at 3315 Pearl St., across from Veterans Memorial Park.

John Smith bought the property in 2014 and completed extensive renovations on the building. He has been running the banquet center and now will lease the space to Hart, who plans to continue running the business and add catering to its services.

Hart said he had been looking for an event space because his customers frequently ask to host private events, such as birthday parties and wedding receptions, in his existing businesses, but there isn’t room.

Hart plans to offer the space for private parties, and he also will host additional events throughout the year.

“I want to bring in additional parties, Mother’s Day brunch, St. Patrick’s Day events,” Hart said. “Hopefully, with our marketing and social media presence, we can increase business.”

Hart plans to offer banquet center clients catering through D.C. Cobb’s and other local restaurants, such as Hub Market and Jexal’s Wing-Zeria.

Hart said no big overhauls are in the works.

“We are just updating the business plan, maybe doing some minor remodeling,” he said. “Nothing major.”