April 25, 2024
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Geneva’s east side Dunkin’ edges closer to opening

After controversial start, several stumbles, donut shop seems poised to go forward

By Brenda Schory
The construction at the Dunkin' Donuts on East State Street in Geneva seems to be halted.

The Dunkin' Donuts on East State Street in Geneva is addressing punch list items as the city is preparing to issue a temporary occupancy permit. (Sandy Bressner)

GENEVA – A controversial Dunkin’ on Geneva’s east side appears to be a step closer to opening.

The Illinois Department of Transportation issued the developer a permit and work relocating utilities began last week, city spokesman Kevin Stahr said in an email.

“An opening date has not been determined at this time,” Stahr’s email said.

State Street Coffee LLC, an entity of The Hari Group of Naperville, owns the Geneva Dunkin’ located at 206 E. State St. A voicemail message seeking comment was not returned.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said the Dunkin’ had a city inspection last week resulting in “a handful of punch list items to be addressed.”

“The city of Geneva will be prepared to issue a temporary occupancy permit,” Burns said. “They are just addressing a few punch list items.”

The restaurant has been controversial from the start.

It required a special use for its drive-thru that was approved with a split vote of 5-5 in 2018, with Burns casting the tie-breaking vote to approve it.

Geneva aldermen also approved an incentive package for the Dunkin’ – a $70,000 grant and sales tax rebate up to $102,000. The incentive is not payable until after the project receives a certificate of occupancy from the city, according to an email from Stahr.

The construction permit from the city expired in August 2021, but officials granted an extension.

The property also was sold twice at Kane County’s annual tax sale – for $9,908.30 in October 2019 and for $11,529.58 in November 2021 – but the owners redeemed it in both cases. Records show the property is current on its tax bill.

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