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Highlights

  • Single Tenant Freestanding Restaurant Blocks From NIU Close To A Northwestern Medicine Hospital, Meta Data Center, Ferrara, 3M, Nestle & More
  • Much Of The Costly Infrastructure Already Completed Including Much Of The Kitchen Layout, Plumbing, Electrical, Hood Configuration, Dining Area & More
  • Can Accommodate A Wide Variety Of Food Concepts - Its Existing Infrastructure Makes It Adaptable For Nearly Any Restaurant Concept
  • On W Lincoln Hwy (Route 38) - The City's Primary Commercial Corridor With 10,000 VPD & Convenient Access To/From All Areas Of The City
  • Provides Complete Operational Independence, Dedicated Parking, Outstanding Visibility, Unrestricted Branding Opportunities
  • Bring Your Concept Here - No Restrictions - Can Also Add A Drive-Thru

Space Availability (1)

Display Rental Rate as

  • Space
  • Size
  • Term
  • Rental Rate
  • Rent Type
  • 1st Floor
  • 2,119 SF
  • Negotiable
  • $24.92 /SF/YR $2.08 /SF/MO $52,805 /YR $4,400 /MO
  • Modified Gross
Space Use
Retail
Build-Out
Full Build-Out
Availability
Now

EatZ Real Estate Group LLC presents a rare opportunity to lease a freestanding, single-tenant restaurant building in the heart of DeKalb, Illinois - a Northern Illinois University college town on the region's primary east/west commercial corridor.? The approximately 2,119 SF building comes with an existing restaurant build-out and some equipment already in place - allowing an incoming operator to skip the time, risk, and six-figure cost of ground-up construction.? Vacant and available for immediate lease-up.? Small, freestanding restaurant buildings in the DeKalb / NIU submarket are in tight supply.? Most available restaurant space in a college town is found in shared strip centers or multi-tenant plazas - where operators face co-tenancy restrictions, shared parking, limited signage, and landlord-controlled hours.? 215 W.? Lincoln Hwy is different: a stand-alone building on its own parcel, giving a tenant full control of its storefront, branding, and street presence directly on IL Route 38.? The existing build-out dramatically compresses the timeline and capital required to open, turning a six-to-twelve-month build into a fit-out and re-concept.?A built-in, year-round base of ~16,000 NIU students plus faculty keeps restaurant and late-night quick-service demand steady, with a median age around 26, Direct frontage and signage on W. Lincoln Highway (IL Route 38), DeKalb's main east/west route - no shared-center restrictions on branding or hours, Small stand-alone restaurant buildings are in tight supply in this submarket; most competing space is multi-tenant with co-tenancy and parking constraints, ~2,119 SF turnkey space with build-out and some equipment included - avoid the time and six-figure cost of ground-up construction, Affordable Modified-Gross Rent - $4,400/Mo - Landlord covers base-year taxes & insurance; tenant pays only increases plus utilities - a low, predictable fixed cost, NIU College-Town Location - On W. Lincoln Hwy (IL Route 38), minutes from NIU (~16,000 enrollment). Median age ~26 supports steady year-round demand, Freestanding, Single-Tenant Building - High visibility and signage on Lincoln Hwy with no shared-center restrictions. Small freestanding restaurant space is in tight supply in this submarket, Vacant & Available Now - Bring Your Concept - Empty and ready for immediate lease-up. Lease terms (length and options are negotiable directly with the owner) Listed by EatZ Real Estate Group LLC

  • Listed rate may not include certain utilities, building services and property expenses
  • Fully Built-Out as a Restaurant or Café Space
  • Space is in Excellent Condition
  • Anchor Space
  • Central Air and Heating
  • Corner Space
  • Emergency Lighting
  • After Hours HVAC Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
Space Size Term Rental Rate Rent Type
1st Floor 2,119 SF Negotiable $24.92 /SF/YR $2.08 /SF/MO $52,805 /YR $4,400 /MO Modified Gross

1st Floor

Size
2,119 SF
Term
Negotiable
Rental Rate
$24.92 /SF/YR $2.08 /SF/MO $52,805 /YR $4,400 /MO
Rent Type
Modified Gross
Space Use
Retail
Build-Out
Full Build-Out
Availability
Now

EatZ Real Estate Group LLC presents a rare opportunity to lease a freestanding, single-tenant restaurant building in the heart of DeKalb, Illinois - a Northern Illinois University college town on the region's primary east/west commercial corridor.? The approximately 2,119 SF building comes with an existing restaurant build-out and some equipment already in place - allowing an incoming operator to skip the time, risk, and six-figure cost of ground-up construction.? Vacant and available for immediate lease-up.? Small, freestanding restaurant buildings in the DeKalb / NIU submarket are in tight supply.? Most available restaurant space in a college town is found in shared strip centers or multi-tenant plazas - where operators face co-tenancy restrictions, shared parking, limited signage, and landlord-controlled hours.? 215 W.? Lincoln Hwy is different: a stand-alone building on its own parcel, giving a tenant full control of its storefront, branding, and street presence directly on IL Route 38.? The existing build-out dramatically compresses the timeline and capital required to open, turning a six-to-twelve-month build into a fit-out and re-concept.?A built-in, year-round base of ~16,000 NIU students plus faculty keeps restaurant and late-night quick-service demand steady, with a median age around 26, Direct frontage and signage on W. Lincoln Highway (IL Route 38), DeKalb's main east/west route - no shared-center restrictions on branding or hours, Small stand-alone restaurant buildings are in tight supply in this submarket; most competing space is multi-tenant with co-tenancy and parking constraints, ~2,119 SF turnkey space with build-out and some equipment included - avoid the time and six-figure cost of ground-up construction, Affordable Modified-Gross Rent - $4,400/Mo - Landlord covers base-year taxes & insurance; tenant pays only increases plus utilities - a low, predictable fixed cost, NIU College-Town Location - On W. Lincoln Hwy (IL Route 38), minutes from NIU (~16,000 enrollment). Median age ~26 supports steady year-round demand, Freestanding, Single-Tenant Building - High visibility and signage on Lincoln Hwy with no shared-center restrictions. Small freestanding restaurant space is in tight supply in this submarket, Vacant & Available Now - Bring Your Concept - Empty and ready for immediate lease-up. Lease terms (length and options are negotiable directly with the owner) Listed by EatZ Real Estate Group LLC

  • Listed rate may not include certain utilities, building services and property expenses
  • Fully Built-Out as a Restaurant or Café Space
  • Space is in Excellent Condition
  • Anchor Space
  • Central Air and Heating
  • Corner Space
  • Emergency Lighting
  • After Hours HVAC Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Rent Types


The rent amount and type that the tenant (lessee) will be responsible to pay to the landlord (lessor) throughout the lease term is negotiated prior to both parties signing a lease agreement. The rent type will vary depending upon the services provided. For example, triple net rents are typically lower than full service rents due to additional expenses the tenant is required to pay in addition to the base rent. Contact the listing broker for a full understanding of any associated costs or additional expenses for each rent type.

1. Full Service: A rental rate that includes normal building standard services as provided by the landlord within a base year rental.

2. Double Net (NN): Tenant pays for only two of the building expenses; the landlord and tenant determine the specific expenses prior to signing the lease agreement.

3. Triple Net (NNN): A lease in which the tenant is responsible for all expenses associated with their proportional share of occupancy of the building.

4. Modified Gross: Modified Gross is a general type of lease rate where typically the tenant will be responsible for their proportional share of one or more of the expenses. The landlord will pay the remaining expenses. See the below list of common Modified Gross rental rate structures: 4. Plus All Utilities: A type of Modified Gross Lease where the tenant is responsible for their proportional share of utilities in addition to the rent. 4. Plus Cleaning: A type of Modified Gross Lease where the tenant is responsible for their proportional share of cleaning in addition to the rent. 4. Plus Electric: A type of Modified Gross Lease where the tenant is responsible for their proportional share of the electrical cost in addition to the rent. 4. Plus Electric & Cleaning: A type of Modified Gross Lease where the tenant is responsible for their proportional share of the electrical and cleaning cost in addition to the rent. 4. Plus Utilities and Char: A type of Modified Gross Lease where the tenant is responsible for their proportional share of the utilities and cleaning cost in addition to the rent. 4. Industrial Gross: A type of Modified Gross lease where the tenant pays one or more of the expenses in addition to the rent. The landlord and tenant determine these prior to signing the lease agreement.

5. Tenant Electric: The landlord pays for all services and the tenant is responsible for their usage of lights and electrical outlets in the space they occupy.

6. Negotiable or Upon Request: Used when the leasing contact does not provide the rent or service type.

7. TBD: To be determined; used for buildings for which no rent or service type is known, commonly utilized when the buildings are not yet built.

Property Facts

Total Space Available 2,119 SF
Property Type Retail
Property Subtype Restaurant
Gross Leasable Area 2,119 SF
Year Built 1989
Parking Ratio 11.33/1,000 SF

About the Property

Freestanding Restaurant Downtown DeKalb, IL - On Lincoln Hwy Near NIU! "Bring Your Concept Here - No Restrictions - Can Also Add A Drive-Thru" An exceptional opportunity to lease one of DeKalb's few freestanding, single-tenant restaurant buildings just blocks from Northern Illinois University on the city's primary commercial corridor with convenient access to/from all areas of the city. This fully built-out restaurant offers operators the rare chance to open quickly while avoiding the significant time, expense and uncertainty of constructing a restaurant from the ground up. This space allows an incoming tenant to bypass much of the costly infrastructure already completed, including much of the kitchen layout, plumbing, electrical, hood configuration, dining area, lighting and restaurant improvements. Unlike a restaurant space located within strip centers or shopping plazas, this standalone building provides complete operational independence, dedicated parking, outstanding visibility, unrestricted branding opportunities and the flexibility today's restaurant operators demand. The property can accommodate a wide variety of food service concepts. Its existing infrastructure makes it adaptable for nearly any restaurant concept with minimal modifications. Whether you're an independent restaurateur, local brand, regional operator, national franchise or specialty food concept, this versatile (fast-food or fast-casual) property provides everything needed to establish a strong presence in one of northern Illinois' most active college markets. Property Highlights - Freestanding single-tenant restaurant building - Built in 1989 - 2,119 sqft - Existing restaurant build-out - Commercial kitchen layout already in place - Some restaurant equipment included - Dedicated on-site parking - Monument signage - Excellent visibility along busy W Lincoln Hwy (IL Route 38) - Ideal for dine-in, carryout, pickup & 3rd-party delivery - Can also add a drive-thru - Vacant & available immediately Bring your concept here! Location: Prime retail space along W Lincoln Highway (Route38), DeKalb's primary E-W commercial corridor with ~10,000 VPD connecting Northern Illinois University, Downtown DeKalb, Sycamore and Interstate 88. Enjoys outstanding visibility, convenient access and is surrounded by a strong mix of restaurants, retail, hotels, residential neighborhoods, major employers and more. Nearby Traffic Generators - Northern Illinois University (~16,000 students, faculty & staff) - NIU Convocation Center (10,000+ seats) - Huskie Stadium (24,000+ seats) - DeKalb Public Library - Egyptian Theatre - DeKalb Municipal Buildings - Downtown DeKalb - Prairie Park - Nearby professional offices, healthcare facilities, personal services, national retailers & major hotels - Major employers including Meta (Facebook) Data Center, Ferrara Candy Company, 3M & Nestle - Dense residential base (~15,000 within 1 mile, ~44,000 within 3 miles & ~60,000 within 5 miles) Year Established: 1989 (Built). Property Information: 2,119 sqft single-tenant one-story freestanding building with 24 parking spaces. Built in 1989. On 0.143 acres. Lease Information: Space for lease for $4,400/mth gross. Flexible landlord offering a new 5-year lease with options. Square Feet: 2,119. Seating: 60. # Of Employees: (Space For Lease). Training: (Space For Lease). Gross Sales: (Space For Lease). Net Operating Income: (Space For Lease). Value of FF&E: Not Included In Asking Price (Landlord Owns). Value of Inventory: Not Included In Asking Price. Seller Financing Available: No. Reasons for Selling: Space available. Competition/Market: - Competitive Advantages - Rare freestanding restaurant opportunity - Existing restaurant infrastructure - Flexible restaurant layout - Set up for high volumes - Some equipment included - Excellent signage - Dedicated parking - Easy access - Outstanding location - High-visibility corridor - Heart of DeKalb’s commercial district - Strong student population - New developments close by - Year-round customer base - Strong Demographics - Growing area - Immediate occupancy - Lower startup costs - Faster opening timeline - Huge carry-out /delivery opportunity to campus, businesses, offices and manufacturers Growth & Expansion: Restaurant buildings of this size, quality and location rarely become available in the DeKalb market. Especially ones close to NIU, the city's largest economic engine - attracting thousands of students, faculty, employees, alumni, athletic visitors, conference attendees and families throughout the year. With a fully built-out interior, existing restaurant infrastructure, excellent visibility along Lincoln Hwy, dedicated parking and close proximity to Northern Illinois University, this property offers a tremendous opportunity for both independent operators and expanding franchise brands to establish a presence in one of northern Illinois' strongest restaurant trade areas. Plus, DeKalb serves as the commercial and employment hub for western Kane County and DeKalb County. Along with a major public university, it also boasts a growing manufacturing base, expanding technology investment and a stable residential population into one of northern Illinois' strongest secondary markets. Feel free to stop by the location first. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at Ted@eatz-associates.com or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Showings by appointment only. Listed By Ted Aretos at EatZ & Associates / EatZ Real Estate Group LLC

  • Corner Lot
  • Restaurant
  • Air Conditioning
Moderately walkable
60/100
Moderately drivable
70/100
Some public transit
50/100
Moderately bikeable
60/100

Nearby Major Retailers

Old National Bank
First National Bank of Omaha
PNC Bank
Starbucks
Anytime Fitness
Schnucks
  • Listing ID: 25603664

  • Date on Market: 7/1/2026

  • Last Updated:

  • Address: 215 W Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL 60115

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