Chicago Retail and Restaurant Thread

[LA1]

Nothing big, but the Loop's first Einstein Bagels is going to open at 30 N. LaSalle (Washington). My office building .

I think this is another indication that the Loop is becoming more of a neighborhood. California Pizza Kitchen ASAP (very popular) is right next door and a new Mexican place and bakery opened up across the street recently.
Its far off, but I can see this part of the West Loop having a active restaurant/bar scene after hours or weekends.

[LA1]

In the Gold Coast, a new trendy market is going to open on Pearson, east of Rush street next to Argo Tea.

The Goddess and the Grocer is at 25 E.Delaware (Rush), another new trendy market from Bucktown opened a few months ago.

[danthediscoman]

^ You mean a true grocery store like Fox & Obel or something more like the size of a mini mart, isn't this the same location where that nasty Nascar store had a very short life at.

[spyguy]

http://www.suntimes.com/business/313...oard27.article

Burton to open flagship store here

March 27, 2007
BY SANDRA GUY Business Reporter

Burton Snowboards, the premier retailer for the increasingly popular sport of snowboarding, will open its largest store in North America in the Gold Coast shopping district this fall.

The 8,000-square-foot flagship store at 56 E. Walton St. will replace Ligne Roset, a contemporary furniture store.

The Burton store, which will sell snowboards, boots, clothes, goggles and shoes, will look like a multifloor town house, with one floor dedicated to women's products, said Burton CEO Laurent Potdevin in an e-mail interview.

The design will tell the story of snowboarding by showcasing its history. Burton's store in New York has Plexiglas on the floor, under which one of the first snowboards and other memorabilia are exhibited, though it's too early to say whether the Chicago store will have the same kinds of exhibits.

Potdevin called the Chicago store "a place to experience the snowboard lifestyle."

The Chicago store will be one of five Burton flagships worldwide.

Burton got its start 30 years ago when founder Jake Burton Carpenter was forced to end his skiing career after his collarbone was broken in a car accident, and he took up snowboarding.

Carpenter said in a statement that his snowboarding career and snowboarding itself trace their roots to the Midwest. The first board, the Snurfer, was invented and manufactured in the Midwest in the 1960s.

Potdevin said, "Our philosophy focuses on building interest and participation in the sport."

[trvlr70]

That's very cool. But what about Linge Roset? I hope they are just moving to a new space because they are some of the best designed furniture around.

[LA1]

Originally Posted by danthediscoman

^ You mean a true grocery store like Fox & Obel or something more like the size of a mini mart, isn't this the same location where that nasty Nascar store had a very short life at.

True, its not a big size.

[paytonc]

Ligne Roset moved to Wells nearer the Mart, aka "$5000 sofa row."
http://www.lignerosetchicago.com/

I wonder why Burton thinks they'll do so well here. No good mountains for hundreds of miles around, although I've certainly noticed that my ever-so-practical Polartec jackets blend in well both here and out west, but not so well back east. Luckily (given our weather), Chicagoans rarely let fashion trump practicality.

Goddess & Grocer is neither grocer nor convenience store; it's a food boutique.

[trvlr70]

Originally Posted by paytonc

Ligne Roset moved to Wells nearer the Mart, aka "$5000 sofa row."
http://www.lignerosetchicago.com/

I wonder why Burton thinks they'll do so well here. No good mountains for hundreds of miles around, although I've certainly noticed that my ever-so-practical Polartec jackets blend in well both here and out west, but not so well back east. Luckily (given our weather), Chicagoans rarely let fashion trump practicality.

Goddess & Grocer is neither grocer nor convenience store; it's a food boutique.

My folks have a ski condo in Breckinridge. According to statistics provided by their realtors and such, Chicagoans and Texans are the most prolific skiers in Colorado resorts outside of local Coloradoans. So, I think Burton would be quite well. Look at the sucess of North Face in the JHC.

[Sir Isaac Newton]

Just noticed a Jimmy Johns on South Michigan Ave, just south of Roosevelt. Is this really new or has this been around for awhile and I just never noticed it?

[Chi_Coruscant]

Burgers for everyone -- except Elvis
River North spot to offer 24 flavors, but no Hunka Hunka
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/3...rger30.article

March 30, 2007
BY JANET RAUSA FULLER Staff Reporter

How many ways can you dress a burger? Leon Toia would say at least 24.

That's how many burgers will be on the menu at his newest restaurant venture, Hop Haus, opening soon in River North.

Burgers at Hop Haus will have some unusual toppings like peanut butter, bannanas and strawberries. You can even have an elk burger.

Toia's not just talking about Swiss vs. American cheese, either -- try buffalo, elk and wild boar burgers paired with boutique beers. Toia has recruited two employees at the hypermodern restaurant Alinea, sommelier Justin Leone and cook Andrew Brochu, to consult on the menus.

Burgers popular
Toia, owner of the Leona's restaurant chain, said he is converting the Leona's outpost at 646 N. Franklin to capitalize on the late-night crowd. Hop Haus will stay open until 4 a.m. -- 5 a.m. on Saturdays -- and will offer 33 beers and 25 wines.
Burgers are a good bet. They're the most-ordered entree at a restaurant, according to the NPD Group, which tracks people's eating patterns.

"I've done Leona's, and it borders on the Cheesecake Factory in terms of the menu, but it's a very difficult exercise. So I said, let's just do burgers great and create as much diversity and excitement and flavors as we can," Toia said.

When it comes to flavors, anything goes -- almost. One concoction by Brochu and Leone, both 25, was an ode to Elvis Presley involving a deep-fried patty, bacon, peanut butter, bananas and strawberries.

"We're playing on the PB&J and Elvis idea all in one," Leone said. And, he added, it worked.

'Too far out there'
"The main components of every balanced dish should be sweet, salt to cut the richness, and then a little acid," Leone said.
But the so-called Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love burger was "too far out there" for Toia. He isn't even sure if the other wild-game burgers will fly, though he is keeping those on the menu.

"They'll probably grow legs and run out the door," he said.

Hop Haus is slated to open April 9. General manager John Kinder says the Elvis burger may still make an appearance as a special.

[secondcity1]

Chicago, New York dominated James Beard Foundation nominations

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifesty...d-awards_N.htm

James Beard nominations call out culinary world's best


By Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Culinary professionals from more than a dozen cities were among the nominees in top categories for the 17th James Beard Foundation awards announced Monday.

The traditionally strong dining scenes of New York, Chicago and the West Coast were joined by markets as diverse as Durham, N.C.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; New Orleans; and Walland, Tenn.

The awards in 62 categories honor the nation's top chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, waitstaffs, journalists and beverage makers. Winners will be announced May 7 at a gala in New York that will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the foundation, which is named after a pioneer of American cooking.

The nominees in top categories:

Outstanding restaurant


(open at least 10 years): Boulevard, San Francisco; Frontera Grill, Chicago; Magnolia Grill, Durham, N.C.; Picholene, New York; Spiaggia, Chicago.

Best new restaurant

(opened in 2006): A Voce, New York; Cochon, New Orleans; Cut, Beverly Hills; Restaurant Guy Savoy, Las Vegas; L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, New York; Momofuku Ssäm Bar, New York.

Restaurateur:

Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif.; Keith McNally, Balthazar, New York; Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Chicago; Drew Nieporent, Myriad Restaurant Group, New York; Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean Georges, New York.

Pastry chef:

Will Goldfarb, Room 4 Dessert, New York; Michael Laskonis, Le Bernardin, New York; Leslie Mackie, Macrina Bakery & Café, Seattle; Elizabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson, Tartine Bakery, San Francisco; Mindy Segal, HotChocolate, Chicago.

Rising-star chef

(age 30 or younger): Nate Appleman, A16, San Francisco; Graham Elliot Bowles, Avenues at the Peninsula Hotel, Chicago; David Chang, Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York; Patrick Connolly, Radius, Boston; Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison Park, New York.

Restaurant service:

Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tenn.; Canlis, Seattle; La Grenouille, New York; Terra, St. Helena, Calif.; Tru, Chicago.

Wine service:

Bin 36, Chicago; I Trulli, New York; Mary Elaine's at the Phoenician, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, D.C.; Picasso, Las Vegas.

Wine/spirits professional

: Dale DeGroff, King Cocktail, New York; Paul Draper, Ridge Vineyards, Cupertino, Calif.; Dan Duckhorn, Duckhorn Vineyards, St. Helena, Calif.; Terry Theise, Terry Theise Estate Selections, Silver Spring, Md.; Helen Turley, Marcassin Winery, Calistoga, Calif.

[edsg25]

with all the talk about new markets openning in the downtown area, here's a question for those familiar with the North Shore:

does anyone have any idea why Sunset Foods never openned a downtown location? Their stores (Highland Park, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Libertyville) are all North Shore (or at least north suburban), but so many former North Shore residents now live downtown and they are a ready made market for the market (pun intended). Those who know Sunset Foods...don't you think they would do great as a true upscale, full service market, outdoing Treasure Island in that concept?

[ardecila]

Yes, Ed... but you're obsessed with this, and you have to understand something. A move into an urban market is a radical shift for a small suburban chain like Sunset. Everything, from shopping carts to food deliveries, is different in an urban grocery store from a suburban one.

Also, Sunset isn't really expanding at all. Their newest store is Libertyville, which opened at least 10 years ago. Oh, and fun fact - my dad and grandpa built the electrical system in the Lake Forest store.

[Urbanight]

From Chicago Magazine:
"BCBG plans to open this summer next to the Marc by Marc Jacobs boutique, also scheduled to open this summer—probably late summer for both, but you know how these things drag on—at the 1714 North Damen Avenue space."

[NOLAUSA]

I think the James Beard awards are a giant farce. You have to pay them money to even be considered for an award. Sounds like buying yourself a trophy, so thats why I dont pay attention to them anymore!

[spyguy]

http://www.heartlandrebusiness.com/a...07/cover3.html

THE REINVENTION OF STATE STREET

Chicago’s historic State Street is being infused with a new generation of retailers.

Jason Berngard and Anthony Campagni

As the revered Marshall Field’s department store becomes a Macy’s and the doors of the historic Carson Pirie Scott building close for redevelopment, opportunities to reinvent State Street are opening. Providing a less expensive, yet just as accessible, alternative to Michigan Avenue, the street that once defined Chicago is now being re-established. As Michigan Avenue’s already astronomic rents steadily increase (at the time of writing, rents are in excess of $300 per square foot) and available ground-level retail space on the street is all but non-existent, retailers are looking to State Street as an alternative for their flagship stores and second locations.

With the addition of H&M’s second location, the presence of Urban Outfitters, Annie Sez and Office Depot at 10 S. State Street, as well as the future development of 108 N. State (formerly Block 37) and the redevelopment of the Carson’s building and the Palmer House Hotel, the timing is right to redefine this downtown Chicago shopping district.

Presently, the densely populated street is a mix of retail, office and residential properties. The international recognition and popularity of Millennium Park, which drew more than 3 million visitors in 2006, has sparked interest from diverse retailers such as Segway, Garrett Popcorn Shops and Park Grill Chicago. And while the office market continues to move west, condominiums are becoming popular in the east (where some residential condos with views of Millennium Park are selling in excess of $700 per square foot), transitioning State Street from a 5-day market to a 7-day market, and luring in new retailers and restaurateurs alike. Downtown residential property has experienced an increase in value of $100 per square foot that is attributable to Millennium Park, according to the city of Chicago’s 2005 Economic Impact Report. Evening activity also continues to flourish, with the nearby Theater District nearly doubling its economic impact during the past 7 years, according to the Chicago League of Theaters. Doubling the attendance of 10 years ago, more than 2.4 million Chicago residents attended a live show in the Theater District last year, attracting more restaurants and bars to the area than ever before.

Doubts regarding the potential rebirth of State Street are unfounded. Vacancy rates dropped to 1.37 percent in late 2005, and redevelopments are creating opportunity and interest from an eclectic mix of established, high-profile brands and up-and-coming international retailers. European clothing stores, such as Zara, are considering locations on State Street, giving it a different flavor than the standard high-end retailers Michigan Avenue hosts. For these international retailers, State Street can serve as a test of the American market’s response to their product without incurring the high costs and long waits for retail space on Michigan Avenue.

CBS’s decision to move and use the vitality of the State Street locale as a backdrop for its newscasts illustrates an attempt to become more like its New York City counterparts. Relocating to State Street is a testament to the network’s confidence in the corridor’s unremitting energy and steady foot traffic, almost like that of Times Square. CBS, in turn, will add to the vibrancy and cachet of the street.

In addition, the city’s planned construction of a high-speed rail connection from 108 N. State Street directly to O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport is advantageous for retailers because it will draw more foot traffic to the street, which was designed for dense travel given its numerous CTA stops and wider sidewalks. Furthermore, the transit system will direct tourists to the corridor often overlooked due to the Magnificent Mile.

Once Joseph Freed & Associates acquires Block 37 from The Mills Corporation, the firm will, in essence, control the fate of State Street, as it also owns the Carson’s building. Freed has the opportunity to redefine this downtown retail corridor, but it will need to secure high-profile anchor tenants and unique (and appealing) small shop tenants to be successful.

Future tenants of the Carson’s building have yet to be named, but it is highly sought after space. The rebirth of State Street is dependent upon signed leases at 108 N. State from brands on the level of Apple, Banana Republic and Coach, all of whom have shown interest in the project. And if space at the Carson’s building becomes occupied by Whole Foods, Target or Best Buy, as is rumored, the street is sure to exceed expectations.

The nearby Palmer House Hotel has already gathered its fair share of big names. Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Salon is in negotiations to open a flagship location, in addition to tenants such as Aldo, Sketchers and Victoria’s Secret, all of which are sure to garner consumer attention.

Retailers also benefit from the more than 20 colleges and universities within walking distance of State Street’s retail corridor. As many Chicagoans and tourists want to avoid the mayhem of Michigan Avenue, retailers have an opportunity to cater to tourists, students, workers and area residents alike. According to the city’s Economic Impact Report, over the next 10 years, sales revenue from visitor spending in the downtown area is projected to be between $1.9 and $2.6 billion. Retailers should be encouraged by the massive amount of money concentrated in such a relatively small geographic vicinity.

The oft seen “herd mentality” of commercial real estate, especially as it pertains to high-profile and well-known retailers, is something that can be expected as developments on State Street continue to progress; as one big name enters the market, others are sure to follow. Retailers view State Street as a high-traffic shopping destination, less precarious than Michigan Avenue and still close enough to benefit from the ever-profitable Magnificent Mile. The redevelopment of the Carson Pirie Scott building, 108 N. State Street and the Palmer House Hotel place State Street in a position to attract exciting retailers and brand itself to live up to its moniker: State Street, that Great Street.

[Chi-Rob]

Just a few tidbits for my very first post...

At the NW corner of Deleware and Wabash, Intermix has opened its first Chicago location. It is an upscale women's clothing store, selling trendy, causal merchandise. It replaces a wine and spirits store. My girlfriend (an avid shopper) claims this is a nice addition to the Chicago retail scene.

Also on Wabash, just south of the Sofitel Hotel, an ING Direct Cafe is opening a space; its motto is "Sip a Latte while you save money," or something to that effect. The cafe replaces a diner, Carson's I believe was its name.

Jerry Kleiner, owner of Marche, Gioco, Victor Hotel, and Carnival, is opening a 21,000 sqaure foot eatery/party spot on the 2100 block of South Wabash ave. "Oceans' 13" is hosting its Chicago launch party there June 7th and tickets to the event cost a whopping $500 per person. The place is likely to be a destination, so it will surely compliment the redevelopment of this area, assuming the place is as succesful as his previous spots.

I hope this is new (and interesting) information to the majority of the forum participants, and I hope to contribute such whenever I can in the future.

I am in law school at Loyola University, and I would be more than happy to offer a legal perspective on anything if ever needed, although I am a year away from taking the bar.

[ardecila]

Anybody know what's going on with the Whole Foods at Southgate Market? I was in there earlier today, and snuck a peek behind the plastic curtain... there's no work being done there, just an empty space.

Also, I just went into Patty Burger today at Adams/Wabash... VERY good burgers. Highly recommended, although I can't comment on the fries since I don't eat them....

There's a new restaurant that just opened in the last few days on Michigan Avenue in the Gage Building (midway between Madison/Monroe) called The Gage. Their cuisine seems to be more high-end, but the prices looked somewhat reasonable ($25-30/person, probably).

Lastly, Willoughby Tower at Michigan/Madison really needs to fill its corner retail space. It's been vacant for a long time, and in such a prominent location right across from Millennium Park, that's unacceptable. The building also needs a power-wash, too, but that's a different topic.

[headcase]

Originally Posted by ardecila

There's a new restaurant that just opened in the last few days on Michigan Avenue in the Gage Building (midway between Madison/Monroe) called The Gage. Their cuisine seems to be more high-end, but the prices looked somewhat reasonable ($25-30/person, probably).

It actually opened a week ago today. Haven't been yet, I'm actually going to be there next week, only for drinks thou, so I won't be able to comment on the food.

The are also building out a space in 1 S. Dearborn, you can see the window that they cut out on the Southern most edge of the Dearborn facade.

SSDD

[spyguy]

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