FOR LEASE – TURNKEY RESTAURANT BUILDOUT 133 & 137 W. Main St., Genoa, IL 60135 $5,500/Month (Modified Gross) ± 4,500 SF • Fully Remodeled • Some Equipment Included Property Overview This is one of those rare, legacy restaurant locations that every serious operator dreams of finding — a fully remodeled, high-visibility corner property located right on Route 72/Main Street, the lifeline of Genoa’s downtown business corridor. For decades, this was the heart of the community: first as a successful franchise pizzeria, then as an award-winning fast-casual restaurant that drew diners from neighboring towns night after night. Locals still talk about the food, the atmosphere, and the buzz it brought to downtown Genoa. Now, after a complete modernization of the building, it’s ready for a new chapter — and a new operator with the vision and experience to bring it back to life. The building’s combination of proven market history, prime visibility, and modern buildout creates one of the most compelling lease opportunities in northern Illinois. With some equipment included, the property offers a jump-start for operators who want to launch quickly and capture the built-in goodwill this location has enjoyed for more than three decades. If you’re looking for a location with immediate recognition, foot traffic, and a ready customer base — this is it. Why Genoa? Why Now? Genoa is one of northern Illinois’ best-kept secrets — a fast-growing, tightly knit community that still holds the charm of small-town living while attracting strong commercial investment. The city sits at the intersection of convenience and opportunity: just 20 minutes from I-90, I-39, and I-88, Genoa offers easy access to Chicago’s western suburbs, Rockford, and DeKalb. Its strategic positioning has made it a magnet for both residents seeking affordability and national brands looking for a solid, under-served market with strong purchasing power. In recent years, major national retailers have doubled down on Genoa’s potential: Dollar General completed a brand-new build at 101 Kearney Drive, reflecting retail confidence in the city’s long-term stability. Dunkin’ Donuts established a strong drive-thru presence, capitalizing on Route 72’s high daily traffic. Taco Bell announced and commenced its new ground-up development near the key intersection of Routes 72 and 23 — another indicator of Genoa’s expanding consumer demand. This wave of new investment has invigorated Genoa’s retail landscape. Downtown storefronts are being renovated, local businesses are thriving, and the city continues to draw new residents thanks to its excellent schools, community safety, and family-friendly amenities. Population growth has remained steady, and median household income hovers near $80,000, placing Genoa among DeKalb County’s most stable and prosperous small communities. Its youthful median age of 34 ensures strong repeat dining demand from active families and young professionals. In short: Genoa is emerging as one of the region’s most promising sub-markets for food and beverage concepts — and the time to plant your flag here is now. Unbeatable Location & Visibility Situated directly on Route 72/Main Street, Genoa’s primary east-west artery, this building enjoys constant traffic exposure throughout the day. Route 72 connects the western suburbs to Sycamore, St. Charles, and Rockford, delivering both local and pass-through dining customers. This corner site sits at the center of downtown activity — surrounded by banks, retail shops, service businesses, and residential neighborhoods that provide steady customer flow. The dual street frontage and open visibility ensure your signage and brand presence will be impossible to miss. With its freestanding corner positioning, the property commands attention from every direction, especially during Genoa’s frequent community events, parades, and seasonal festivals that draw large crowds to Main Street. The drive-by exposure alone is a major asset: operators will benefit from thousands of vehicles passing daily, many of whom are local residents already accustomed to dining at this very address. Few restaurant sites combine this level of exposure, accessibility, and community goodwill. It’s a true Main Street cornerstone. Interior Experience Step inside and you’ll immediately feel the transformation. The interior combines rustic warmth with modern polish — high ceilings, painted tin details, exposed ductwork, and expansive windows that fill the space with natural light. At roughly 4,500 square feet, the dining area comfortably seats up to 110 guests inside, with room for flexible layouts including bar, booth, and communal configurations. Outside, two distinct patios expand your capacity and create a one-of-a-kind dining atmosphere: A 40-seat fenced patio offers privacy and comfort for families and events. A 24-seat covered front awning area extends the dining season and enhances curb appeal. Modern lighting and finishes complete the professional look, while the open layout supports everything from casual counter service to full table service concepts. This isn’t just a restaurant space — it’s a turnkey stage for your brand. It already feels like “the place to be” the moment you walk through the door. Kitchen & Infrastructure The kitchen layout is designed for serious volume and efficiency, featuring all the infrastructure needed for high-output food service. Two large commercial hoods with Ansul fire suppression, a rotating pizza oven, 2 walk-in coolers, and basement storage for dry goods and supplies. Whether you’re planning a pizza, grill, or fast-casual concept, this back-of-house setup provides the perfect foundation. The inclusion of some existing equipment further reduces the barriers to opening quickly. Every detail reflects a well-planned workflow: from food prep to service, everything has been designed to optimize throughput and maintain health-code compliance with ease. Historic Success Story This location is synonymous with restaurant success. For over three decades, it’s been a gathering place where locals came to celebrate birthdays, watch the game, or enjoy family dinners. It originally opened as a franchise pizzeria, consistently ranking among the chain’s top-performing Illinois locations. Later, it was reimagined as an award-winning fast-casual concept, earning recognition for its community engagement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. At its peak, it was one of Genoa’s busiest restaurants — a true community anchor. The name may have changed over the years, but the address itself became a brand. Everyone in town knows it, and everyone has a story about it. That kind of history and customer recall can’t be replicated. Listed by Ted Aretos at EatZ & Associates / EatZ Real Estate Group LLC