If Oak Park officials agree, a new type of establishment that combines a craft beer shop with a bar will soon open in the village.
The concept is new to the Midwest and thus presents an opportunity for the business’ owners. The Beer Shop’s focus will be on beers and other products from craft brewers who do not yet have the name recognition or wide distribution of the global companies. The shop will give patrons the opportunity to try craft beers and buy them to take home.
The idea of a craft beer shop has become popular on both coasts but has yet to come to the Midwest, according to David King, who leased the space to Tony Compaglia. Compaglia notes that the big brewers' sales have remained static for the past several years, while craft beer sales have increased about 15-20% during that same period. The increased growth, coupled with the lack of any craft beer stores in the Chicago area, added up to an irresistible opportunity for Compaglia.
The village will need to approve a change to its liquor code for the shop to open, but Compaglia is confident it will do so, and plans to open this spring.
Compaglia could work with a banner printing company to create a festive welcome banner for the opening of the shop.
