Loves Park approves sales tax rebate to support Capri’s new restaurant
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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LOVES PARK — City Council members on Monday approved a pair of tax incentives that will provide up to $1.5 million to support Capri Restaurant’s relocation to Loves Park.
Aldermen voted unanimously in support of two sales tax rebates that can be used to fund the effort to turn the former Shell gas station site at 6480 E. Riverside Blvd. into the new home of Capri. The vote was made about seven hours after Capri and The Parks Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on the new restaurant.
“You took what I thought was an eyesore and turned it into probably the best-looking restaurant not just in Loves Park but the whole community,” Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I’m looking forward to all the turnout here. I think we might need traffic control.”
Plans to support Capri’s rebuild in Loves Park had been in the works for more than a year. In March, the City Council voted to expand the boundaries of the McFarland Road business development district to include Capri’s property. That district levies an additional 1% sales tax on businesses within the boundaries. The money can be put toward improvement projects such as building and renovation, acquiring property and other property and infrastructure work.
The redevelopment deal with Capri provides a rebate of 10% of the additional sales taxes for a maximum of $1 million. A separate agreement provides the property owner, DJNK Holdings, with a 5% sales tax rebate up to $500,000.
“We try to work with people who want to do business with us,” Jury told the Rock River Current after the vote. “Especially that kind of business, which has been doing crazy (numbers) just with the carryout. It’s a good, solid business and we’re just glad they came and talked to us.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
