Tucked into the Illinois suburbs, Lucky Stop is redefining expectations of what a video gaming lounge can be. Part of the family-owned SD Hospitality Group, which now encompasses eight distinct concepts, Lucky Stop brings together legal video gaming, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, live entertainment, and an elevated lounge atmosphere more commonly associated with Chicago’s urban hospitality scene.
We sat down with Sweta Desai, Director of Operations, to discuss the inspiration behind Lucky Stop, her approach to hospitality, and the vision driving the continued evolution of the brand.
Drinking Buddies Interview
How did Lucky Stop get its start?
“Lucky Stop began as a family venture. I initially approached the space with relatively simple cosmetic renovations, but what started as a project quickly evolved into something I became passionate about. The layout offered tremendous potential, and I began envisioning something beyond a traditional gaming establishment.
“From there, the concept developed organically. I introduced specialty cocktails and began experimenting with event programming, starting with karaoke. The response was so encouraging that I expanded it into a karaoke competition, followed by additional entertainment nights and dance events, each accompanied by cocktails designed to complement the atmosphere. What began as a renovation became an opportunity for me to create an entirely new kind of experience.”
How did you come to be involved in the family business?
“I’ve spent more than 20 years in hospitality, primarily within Chicago’s high-end downtown scene. I’ve worked with several established hospitality groups and gained experience in major markets both domestically and internationally. Those experiences gave me a broad understanding of the industry, from service standards and operations to the nuances of creating an atmosphere that resonates with guests.
“When the opportunity arose to become more involved in the family business, I was happy to contribute. What I initially approached as an opportunity to lend a hand ultimately became a much more hands-on creative and operational role. I realized I could bring together everything I’d learned throughout my career and apply it to something of our own.”
How many locations do you operate? Are they all the same concept?
“I currently oversee operations across eight locations. While each operates as its own distinct business, they share a common vision centered on gaming lounges and gaming cafés. I’m helping build a hospitality group that brings these concepts together under a more cohesive identity.
“As I renovate and evolve each property, I’m beginning to establish a recognizable visual language across the portfolio. The individual venues may have different personalities, but the underlying philosophy remains consistent. Ultimately, I want the brand to communicate a certain level of quality and experience. When guests recognize our logo, I want them to have a sense of what to expect before they even walk through the door.”
What types of games does Lucky Stop offer?
“Illinois has a regulated video gaming industry, which allows guests to play approved games and redeem their winnings directly from the machines. In many ways, it offers a more intimate gaming experience.
“My goal was to provide variety within the framework of what is legally available while creating an environment that feels welcoming, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. Gaming is an important part of the experience, but I never wanted it to be the only reason someone would visit.”
What made you want to set Lucky Stop apart from other gaming lounges?
“As the industry expanded following the passage of the legislation, I noticed that many establishments were incorporating gaming machines into existing bars without necessarily reimagining the overall environment. I saw an opportunity to approach it differently.
“I wanted to create a lounge with a defined identity, an intentional design, and an atmosphere that extended beyond the gaming floor. Rather than simply placing machines alongside tables and chairs, I wanted every element to contribute to a cohesive experience.
“For me, it’s about creating a destination—a place where someone can enjoy a well-made cocktail, spend time with friends, take in some entertainment, and have a night out that feels like more than a visit to a gaming establishment. I wanted to bring a little bit of the city into the suburbs without losing the accessibility and familiarity of a neighborhood lounge.”
Were you personally involved in shaping that concept?
“Completely. I was involved from the initial concept through the design, development, and staff training. I had a hand in virtually every aspect of the operation, from establishing the atmosphere to developing the cocktail menu and creating the service standards.
“I make most of the creative and operational decisions, and I believe the details are what distinguish one hospitality experience from another. The design, the presentation, the way guests are welcomed, and the consistency of service all contribute to how a place is perceived. I wanted to build something where those elements worked together seamlessly, while also empowering my staff to bring their own personalities and strengths to the experience.”
How did you go about creating your cocktail menu?
“My approach combines personal experience, research, and an understanding of my clientele. I pay close attention to the atmosphere I’m creating and the preferences of my regular guests, because I believe a cocktail should feel like a natural extension of the occasion.
“For a soul music night, for example, I might develop something with a little more spice and character. For line dancing events, I explore the history of the era and look for ways to incorporate that influence into the drinks. I’ve also hosted Bollywood-themed evenings featuring cocktails inspired by Indian spices and flavors.
“Seasonality plays an important role as well. Rather than defaulting to familiar trends, I enjoy exploring unexpected interpretations. This fall, for instance, I’m moving away from the traditional pumpkin-forward offerings and embracing apple, warm spices, and cider.
“I don’t approach the cocktail menu as a separate element of the business. To me, it’s another opportunity to tell a story, create a mood, and give people something memorable. Every drink should have a reason for being there.”
How has the reception been since you opened?
“My intention was to bring a more metropolitan hospitality experience into the suburbs in a way that remained approachable. Guests shouldn’t have to travel downtown or spend an extravagant amount to enjoy thoughtful service and a well-designed environment.
“I’ve always believed that the quality of an experience isn’t necessarily determined by its price point. When guests walk in, I want them to notice that the space is clean, inviting, and cared for. The cocktails are fresh, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the experience feels elevated without being intimidating.
“I’ve found that people genuinely appreciate those details. There’s an audience that values a more refined atmosphere, and it’s been rewarding to see that resonate with my community. It reinforces my belief that I can introduce a different standard of hospitality without losing the warmth and accessibility that make a neighborhood establishment special.”
Do you offer food at Lucky Stop?
“I work with a pizza supplier to offer guests something to enjoy alongside their drinks and gaming. While food isn’t the primary focus of my concept, I recognize that having something available to snack on contributes to a more comfortable and complete visit. My emphasis remains on the overall lounge experience.”
How did karaoke nights come about?
“I initially hosted it every other week before moving to a weekly format. As the audience grew, I began thinking about how to build on that momentum. Introducing a competition with a cash prize added another dimension. It gave participants something to work toward, encouraged friendly engagement, and transformed an already enjoyable evening into an event people could anticipate and become invested in.
“I love seeing how something as simple as a karaoke night can evolve into a community experience. That’s really what I strive for—creating reasons for people to come together, connect, and look forward to returning.”
Can you tell us about the hospitality group behind Lucky Stop and your other locations?
“Each location has its own business identity, but as I continue renovating and developing the properties, I’m helping create a more unified hospitality group. My goal is to establish a recognizable standard across the locations while allowing each concept to maintain its own character.
“It’s about more than branding. I want to create a consistent expectation of quality, atmosphere, and service. Each venue should feel distinctive, but the philosophy behind it should be unmistakable. I’m building something that extends beyond individual locations, and I’m excited about what that means for the future of the group.”
What’s next for the brand?
“I have a new concept opening soon, not far from Lucky Stop, in the next town over. It’s a speakeasy-inspired lounge that will incorporate the same legal video gaming but with an entirely different atmosphere.
“The design draws inspiration from the 1920s, with a cocktail program and environment developed to reflect that era. It’s a smaller space than Lucky Stop, which allows me to create something more intimate and immersive. I want guests to feel as though they’ve stepped into another time, where the surroundings, the drinks, and the overall experience tell a cohesive story.
“Every concept I develop gives me an opportunity to explore a different side of hospitality. I’m particularly excited about this one because it allows me to bring together history, design, and mixology in a way that feels both intentional and personal.”
From an operational standpoint, what’s it like coming in and building out a new concept?
“Every project begins with an understanding of the space I’m working with. I often start with cosmetic improvements and a general creative direction, then assess what I can realistically transform within the existing structure. You’re always working with the foundation you’re given, and the challenge is finding the potential within it.
“Once the colors, materials, and design elements begin to come together, the process becomes much more creative. That’s where the passion really takes over. Both Lucky Stop and my new speakeasy concept grew out of that process.
“With Lucky Stop specifically, the large, uncovered glass windows became an important design feature. Rather than working against them, I embraced them. I wanted something bright, distinctive, and impossible to overlook, while still maintaining an elegant presentation. The intention was to make an immediate impression and communicate that this was something different—not simply another neighborhood bar.
“I think that’s what I enjoy most about this work: taking an existing space and seeing possibilities that others might not immediately recognize. There’s a tremendous amount of creativity in that process, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch an idea evolve into an environment where people can actually experience it.”
Thank you to Sweta for sharing the story behind Lucky Stop and the vision shaping SD Hospitality Group.
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