Park Ridge commuters could soon grab a bagel and coffee without leaving the Uptown Metra station. A new vendor called Midwest Doughboys needs one more vote before setting up shop in the building's long-vacant concession space.

The Administrative Services Committee of the Whole voted unanimously Monday, Aug. 3, to approve a one-year sublease for the business, co-owned by Carlo Bertolli of Edison Park and Michael Ponzio of Park Ridge, according to the Journal & Topics. The full City Council is expected to take a final vote at its Monday, Aug. 17, meeting.

More than a food option is at stake. City officials say the staffed shop will allow the station's larger waiting room to reopen. The city closed that room last winter after repeated vandalism, a problem City Manager Joe Gilmore attributed to the lack of any regular human presence in the building since Metra eliminated ticket agents in February 2024.

Finance Director Chris Lipman told the Aug. 3 committee that the city advertised online and on social media to attract local vendors. Two responded: Midwest Doughboys and an unidentified vending machine operator. The city picked the staffed option because officials wanted someone "keeping an eye on things to some extent," Lipman said.

The concession space has sat empty since Des Plaines-based B's Sweet Bites vacated during the pandemic. Last year, the council awarded a one-year contract to Park Ridge-based Divine Vending, which operates machines selling healthier food options. But city officials had acknowledged that potential vendors didn't think post-pandemic foot traffic could support a staffed operation.

Midwest Doughboys plans to operate Monday through Saturday during the station's regular hours of 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. A city memo describes the concept as a commuter-focused premium bagel and coffee shop. The station will continue locking automatically between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Ald. Joe Steinfels (5th Ward), whose ward includes Uptown, welcomed the deal at the Aug. 3 meeting. "I think it's a win-win for everyone," Steinfels said.

Once the council approves the sublease, riders will be able to use the entire station, including the larger waiting room with restrooms and multiple benches, while the building is open. No opening date has been announced; the timeline depends on the Aug. 17 vote and any build-out the new tenants need to complete.