According to a recent article from The Record North Shore, Al’s Meat Market has pitched a new concept, set at 1165 Wilmette Ave.
A representative of Al’s Meat Market was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Chicago’s request.
While an official opening date for the additional concept has yet to be confirmed, according to the article, “During their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28, Wilmette trustees discussed a pitch from local entrepreneurs to turn Al’s Meat Market into a dual-threat business: a butcher shop by day and a bourbon bar by night.”
“The Village Board gave a favorable review to the concept and directed village staff to draft conditions for what would be a new class of liquor license. Trustees will review a draft of the ordinance at a January meeting, said Village Manager Mike Braiman.”
“The idea comes from Keith and Molly Veneziano and Mike Chookaszian, the latter of whom owns the building, 1165 Wilmette Ave., in which Al’s Meat Market has operated for more than 20 years. Chookaszian also is a part-owner of a restaurant group that includes neighboring restaurants Pescadero and Napolita. The Venezianos own The R.O.M.E. Sandwich Company, a pop-up business that has run out of Al’s Meat Market for the past three summers.”
“The mixed-use concept for Al’s would reimagine the space, enabling a 9 a.m.-5 p.m., five-days-a-week butchery and evening-hours, seven-days-a-week bar. Chookaszian and the Venezianos told Wilmette trustees on Nov. 28 that Al’s Meat Market is struggling to survive, and they hope the new venture will give it, as well as downtown Wilmette, a shot at life.”
“Molly Veneziano said the group plans to revitalize the space by returning it “back to its original glory” with a higher, tin roof, wood flooring, and more. According to preliminary plans for the business, a J-shaped bar and a few tables would dominate the front of the house, pushing some of the market’s display cases and shelving to the back room; however, the primary display case would remain on the east wall.”
“Many details of the concept must be worked out, but plans for the spot include serving food. The applicants provided Wilmette with a sample small-bites menu with items such as charcuterie and cheese plates, dips, hush puppies, and meatball sliders. It was also suggested that the bar could encourage patrons to order from local restaurants by placing menus and information on its tables.”
“Under a new arrangement, the Venezianos and Chookaszian would own the space, and Keith Veneziano said improvements would also be made to the butcher business, calling it a “tremendous opportunity to do a little better on that side,” the article goes on to state.
