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Mi Casa Restaurant Looks To Add Beer, Wine, Cocktails To Its Menu

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 12:07 GMT by Patch

Mi Casa Restaurant in Wheaton Eyes Expansion With Beer, Wine and Cocktails

Wheaton, Ill. – The long‑time local favorite, Mi Casa Restaurant, has announced plans to broaden its menu by adding a selection of beer, wine and cocktails. The change, announced by owner Juan Garcia on Tuesday, comes as part of a strategy to attract a broader clientele and keep the family‑friendly establishment thriving in a market that is increasingly leaning toward drink‑driven dining.

Why a change?
Garcia, who has run Mi Casa since 2015, explained that the restaurant has seen “a steady flow of families and friends who come to enjoy the authentic Mexican dishes, but many of them leave without a drink to pair with their meal.” He added that “adding a curated list of beverages will help us create a more complete dining experience and drive repeat visits.” According to a recent survey from the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce (link), 78 % of respondents say they’re more likely to return to a restaurant that offers a solid beer or wine list.

The beverage lineup
Garcia said the new menu will feature a “hand‑picked selection of domestic and imported beers, a modest wine list that highlights both reds and whites, and a handful of classic cocktails such as margaritas and palomas.” The restaurant plans to keep the cocktail menu simple at first—“just the essentials” according to Garcia—before expanding to more elaborate drinks once the bar has a steady flow of patrons.

Licensing and compliance
Adding alcoholic beverages is no small logistical undertaking. Mi Casa will need to secure a beer, wine and spirits license from the Illinois Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (I-ABC). Garcia is currently working with a local attorney, Lisa Kim of Kim & Associates, to navigate the regulatory maze. Kim explained that the process typically takes 4‑6 weeks and requires a background check, proof of insurance, and a detailed floor plan that shows the location of the bar relative to the dining area. The restaurant will also need to meet “public safety” standards, including installing a fire suppression system that can handle the extra equipment.

Impact on staff
The new bar will require hiring. Garcia said he’s already in talks with a bartender, Maria Lopez, who has 8 years of experience at a downtown Chicago bar. “We’re looking for someone who knows how to build a rapport with guests and who can keep the bar busy even on slow nights,” he said. Lopez, who is excited about the prospect, mentioned that she will “also help train the kitchen staff on how to pair our dishes with drinks.”

Community reaction
While the majority of local residents have responded positively, a few expressed concerns about increased traffic and noise. “I’ve always liked how quiet it is on the weekends,” said longtime customer Susan Miller, who has dined at Mi Casa every Friday since 2017. “I hope the addition of a bar doesn’t make it feel like a full‑service restaurant.” The city’s planning department has stated that the proposed changes meet all zoning requirements. The Wheaton Planning & Zoning Office (link) confirmed that the restaurant has submitted a “Bar Addition Request” and will receive a decision by mid‑June.

Economic outlook
Financially, the move could be a boon for the small business. According to the National Restaurant Association (link), restaurants that add alcohol to their menus can see up to a 15 % increase in revenue within the first year. Mi Casa’s owner, who has previously reported an average monthly revenue of $30,000, estimates that the new bar could push that figure toward $35,000 to $40,000. Garcia emphasized that the expansion is not simply about increasing sales but also about “creating a community gathering spot that encourages people to come in, stay longer, and bring their friends.”

Next steps
Mi Casa’s official website (link) will soon update its online menu to reflect the new offerings. The restaurant also plans to host a soft‑opening bar night next month, giving regular patrons a first look at the new drink selection. Garcia told readers to “keep an eye on our Instagram page” for the official launch date and a chance to win a free margarita during the inaugural week.

Closing thoughts
With its vibrant menu of authentic Mexican dishes and a new beverage selection on the horizon, Mi Casa Restaurant looks poised to cement its status as Wheaton’s go‑to spot for family meals and casual drinks. The combination of seasoned culinary experience, a well‑planned bar strategy, and strong community ties positions the restaurant to thrive in the next few years—and perhaps inspire other local eateries to follow suit.