A prominent but frequently vacant corner of downtown Batavia may soon see a major transformation. During the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 9, 2025, City Council members discussed a financial incentive package to support a new restaurant concept at 15 East Wilson Street. The proposal comes from Chad Gravenites, the restaurateur behind the popular local spot “The Goat” and the newly opened “Art House” in Aurora.
The historic limestone building at the corner of Wilson and North River Street has been a challenging location for long-term tenants since the closure of the beloved Italian restaurant Gaetano’s. Subsequent concepts, including Veritas and Thora Bella, struggled to maintain longevity in the space. Gravenites aims to break this cycle with a multi-level dining experience designed to be a “keystone” destination for the city.
The Concept: Three Floors of Dining and Entertainment
Gravenites presented a vision to transform the building into a versatile venue that capitalizes on its unique architecture while addressing its operational challenges. The proposed concept includes:
- Ground Floor (Main Dining): An elevated dining experience featuring a menu of steaks, oysters, and high-quality burgers. Gravenites plans to reopen the kitchen, creating an exposed “chef’s table” feel where diners can watch the culinary action. He emphasized that while the menu will be upscale, it aims to remain accessible.
- Lower Level (Lounge): A “speakeasy” style lounge and small bar designed to cater to the late-night crowd and serve as an overflow spot for patrons of the nearby Comedy Vault.
- Upper Level (Events): The second floor will be renovated to serve as event space or additional seating, featuring a small service bar and maximizing the views from the large windows facing Wilson Street.
A significant portion of the renovation will focus on the building’s infrastructure. Gravenites and the council identified the building’s notoriously steep staircase as a major barrier to accessibility. The renovation plans include restructuring the stairs to add landings and reduce the grade, making the upper levels more welcoming to patrons.
City Investment and “Betting on a Winner”
Because the property is located in TIF District 1, which is expiring, traditional TIF funding was not available. Instead, City Administrator Laura Newman presented a proposal for a $150,000 grant from the city’s general fund to assist with the estimated $400,000 renovation cost.
The proposed incentive structure is performance-based:
- $100,000 available for reimbursement of construction costs (demolition, structural framing, HVAC, fire protection).
- $50,000 paid out in $10,000 annual increments over five years, contingent on the restaurant remaining open.
Council members were largely supportive of the measure, citing Gravenites’s proven track record.
“Money follows winners,” said Ward 5 Alderperson Jim Fahrenbach during the discussion. “He’s already a demonstrated winner. Let’s pile on and get this new site.” Fahrenbach noted that Gravenites had previously transformed a “terrible” insurance office space and apartment into “The Goat,” proving his ability to execute difficult renovations.
Alderperson Kevin Malone echoed the sentiment, stating, “Sitting outside on River Street in the middle of the summer… is my favorite spot in Batavia. I’d love to eat a step-up type of meal [there]”.
A History of Success: The Goat and Art House
The Council’s confidence in the project is rooted in Gravenites’s previous ventures, which have become staples in the Fox Valley dining scene.
The Goat (Batavia)
https://www.thegoatbatavia.com
Located just down the street at 17 East Wilson, “The Goat” (Greatest of All Time) is a burger and cocktail bar that Gravenites opened prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The space, formerly an insurance office, was completely overhauled into a modern, sports-themed venue.
- Reputation: Known for its gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and updated and modern dining area.
- Impact: Council members credited The Goat as being one of the first signs of Batavia’s modern revitalization, moving beyond simple preservation to active “property renewal”.
Art House (Aurora)
https://www.arthouseaurora.com
Gravenites recently expanded into downtown Aurora with “Art House,” located adjacent to the Paramount Theatre.
- Concept: Opened in late 2024, Art House features an “upscale casual” vibe with an art-centric decor that complements the theater district.
- Menu: The menu offers a diverse range of elevated American fare, including steaks, seafood, and creative appetizers, similar to the “barrel and rye” style concept proposed for the new Batavia location.
- Reception: The restaurant has been praised for successfully catering to theater-goers while standing alone as a dining destination, a model Gravenites hopes to replicate in Batavia with the Comedy Vault crowd.
Next Steps
The Committee of the Whole gave direction to city staff to proceed with drafting a redevelopment agreement. If approved, the project would not only fill a high-profile vacancy but also generate an estimated $26,000 annually in new sales and liquor taxes for the city.
“I want Batavia to be proud of that [building],” Gravenites told the council. “I want to be one of the factors that they come back to Batavia… I want to be a part of that growth”.
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
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