May 09, 2025
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Geneva’s east side Dunkin’ Donuts still not open

Mayor Burns: Franchisee is still working through punch list with city, state

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

The franchisee of the Dunkin' Donuts on East State Street in Geneva is working through a punch list of items to finish before it can open, Mayor Kevin Burns said.

GENEVA – A Dunkin’ Donuts on Geneva’s east side is still not open and its construction permit – with a 30-day extension – has expired, but Mayor Kevin Burns said the franchisee is still working on items to be completed before it can open.

“The franchisee continues to work with our team, public works and community development, on addressing punch list items as well as IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) on certain outstanding issues – and the permit needs to be reapplied for,” Burns said.

The construction permit for the restaurant at 206 E. State St., was issued Aug. 15, 2019 and expired on Aug. 15, 2021, but the applicant received a 30-day extension, which has now passed.

City spokesman Kevin Stahr stated in an email that, “The developer was informed on Sept. 16 that the City’s permit for the project expired. To date, the City has not received a new building permit application, which is necessary to resume construction.”

The Dunkin’ Donuts was controversial when it was approved in November 2018 because it had a special use for a drive-thru and an incentive package of a $70,000 grant and a sales tax rebate up to $102,000.

Aldermen were split 5-5 on the proposal, with Burns voting to break the tie to approve it.

The economic development incentive is not payable until after the project receives a certificate of occupancy from the city, according to a July email from Stahr.

“The incentive was structured as a reimbursement, and no public funds were advanced for the project. If the project is not completed, no incentive money will be paid to the applicant,” Starh’s email stated.

Raj Patel of The Hari Group in Naperville is the developer for the Dunkin Donuts in Geneva. The phone number listed on its website is disconnected and Patel did not respond to an email message.

Burns said as soon as the developer goes through the punch list and has outstanding issues resolved with IDOT, he expects the restaurant to open.

“I am as anxious as anyone to see them open their doors and serve our community – and everyone else,” Burns said.

Geneva