Board Says Yes to New Gray's Mill

trustees on Monday gave a big thumbs-up to Gray’s Mill owner Tim Ivers and his plan to reopen the restaurant himself later this year.

In an enthusiastic, unanimous vote, the Village Board approved a new liquor license for Ivers and his Old Mill Group, which includes the owners of My Chef Catering in Naperville, who will provide food for the new venture.

Ivers said he plans a menu of American food for the restaurant and bar, from barbecue to fish fry to burgers, and My Chef Catering can provide other options for weddings, parties and catering, according to owner William Garlough. My Chef has been in business for 23 years, Garlough said, and has catered more than 100 weddings, including several at Gray’s Mill.

The new restaurant will make extensive use of its patio and a 200-seat outdoor tent for weddings and other functions, and Ivers said he’s been getting phone calls from interested people already.

The new Class L liquor license will allow Ivers to serve alcohol outside, as well as in the restaurant. Ivers said his plan is to open the restaurant from Wednesday to Saturday each week, with the bar open seven days, but would expand those hours if the community embraced the new venture.

Ivers has owned Gray’s Mill since 1984, and has completely renovated it, for which he won an award from the Illinois Landmarks Preservation Council in 2001. A number of tenants have opened restaurants in that space, most recently Jason’s at Gray’s Mill, which closed in 2007.

The corner of River and Mill streets, where Gray’s Mill sits, has been hard hit recently, with the closing of Boca Burrito II and the shuttering of after the death of owner Alice Sutcliff in May.

Ivers said he will be ready to open as soon as he receives approvals from the Kane County Health Department and other agencies.

“Please hurry,” said Trustee Matt Brolley after Monday’s vote.