Two grocery companies are looking to build stores in DeKalb but won’t if DeKalb’s liquor regulations aren’t changed.

Community Development Director Paul Rasmussen said neither store is interested in coming if unable to sell liquor.

Currently, there is no liquor license class specifically for grocery stores. To sell liquor, the store would have to get a Class A liquor license. There are only 16 Class A licenses available in DeKalb, and all already are in use.

City Manager Mark Biernacki said he has not talked with Mayor Greg Sparrow or any city council members about the issue, which will be brought up at the April 19 DeKalb City Council workshop meeting.

One company, Southtown Ventures LLC and DuWayne Andresen, looks to build a store on the corner of Dresser and Annie Glidden roads. The company already had its zoning approved by the DeKalb Plan Commission.

The other company, Schnucks, is interested in building a store on the corner of Annie Glidden Road and Taylor Street.

Rasmussen said both stores would be about 60,000 square feet and would like to have smaller stores, like plazas, around them.

He also said there has been no developments with the former Eagle grocery store on South Fourth Street. He said the owner is looking actively to see if anyone is interested.

Rasmussen said there haven’t been any updates on whether Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse has decided to move to Park 88.