In a unanimous vote on Monday (6/9/2025), the Village of La Grange Board of Trustees approved a revision to the longstanding food-to-liquor sales ratio required of local restaurants. The adjustment lowers the threshold from 60% food sales to 50%, easing restrictions that had been in place for decades.
The original 60/40 rule was intended to distinguish full-service restaurants from bars and helped shape the family-friendly character of the business district. But as dining trends and consumer habits have evolved, some businesses have found it difficult to meet the higher food percentage — especially as beverage-focused experiences like wine bars, cocktail lounges, and taprooms grow in popularity.
The new 50/50 ratio is designed to provide greater operational flexibility while maintaining the expectation that establishments serve full meals and retain their restaurant identity. At least one local restaurant was reportedly struggling to comply with the previous requirement.
The change follows years of discussion among village officials and stakeholders. While the decision stops short of removing the ratio entirely, it reflects a shift toward modernizing policy to support local economic growth while preserving the community’s values.