Mad Hatter’s will be closing its doors this summer for renovations to open in the fall under a new name.

Peter Christos, a senior business management major from New Lenox, purchased the building, currently known as Mad Hatter’s, March 15.

“I felt that they were under-utilizing the space,” Chirstos said. “I think it can be pretty big if you (put) enough money and work into it.”

The bar will remain open as Mad Hatters on Fridays and Saturdays until April 24.

“Then we are going to shut down and remodel the whole place,” Christos said.

Renovations will be done to the inside and a new patio will be made outside.

“We will be completely closed over the summer; there is a lot of work to do,” Christos said.

After the upgrades are complete, the bar will be reopened as The Penalty Box.

“We are going to try to compete with all of the bars around here,” Christos said.

The bar will have a full kitchen and a late night walk up for pizza.

“Pretty much you will see Buffalo Wild Wings and The (Panther) Paw all in one,” Chirstos said.

Christos plans to host live music during the week as well.

“We are definitely going to try to reach out to every genre, Greek life and the music crowd,” Christos said.

Chirstos has taken on opening a new bar while still an Eastern student.

“I will be taking classes this summer, take a class next semester and then graduate in the spring,” Christos said.

But even after graduation, he still plans to be hands on with the establishment.

“I’d rather work it myself and make a good amount of money,” Christos said.

Kayleigh Zyskowski can be reached at 581-7942 or kzykowski@eiu.edu.