Introduction to Liquor Park
WICKER PARK — A liquor, beer and wine store that’s operated out of Wicker Park’s Flat Iron Arts Building for a decade has a new and larger location across the street from its original storefront.
The New Location
Liquor Park is reopening at 1942 W. North Ave. hopefully by the end of April, depending on when its final license comes through, co-owners Janel Syron and Paul Wonak said last week. The liquor store has been closed for a few months after moving out of its longtime home at 1937 W. North Ave.
History of Liquor Park
In 2014, Wonak and Syron took over the previous business at that location, a wine store called Life’s a Cabaret, and brought in more liquor and beer from craft and local producers. Liquor Park has since become a staple in the neighborhood, surviving the pandemic and the influx of larger chain stores and companies that have moved in nearby.
Reasons for the Move
But after a decade in their original space, Wonak and Syron decided to upgrade to a newer building across the street. The storefront is almost twice as big as their previous space, and it includes new refrigerators, expansive windows and updated shelving. “We just needed more, like, exposure,” Syron said. “We wanted it to look more like a proper store, as opposed to the cavern, as we’ve been calling it over there.” “Also, newer building, easier maintenance. I’d become a de facto refrigerator repair tech over there, and it’s kind of nice getting to restart and have everything clean and fresh and easier,” Wonak added. “We needed to stretch our arms a bit.”
The New Store
Liquor Park’s new location will allow the craft liquor store to stock more beer, wine and booze — as well as basics like pop and ice. Credit: Quinn Myers/Block Club Chicago
The Owners’ Background
Wonak and Syron had experience in the food and beverage world prior to opening Liquor Park. Syron is a trained sommelier and worked at Life’s a Cabaret for several years before taking it over. Wonak worked in the beer industry, including at Two Brothers Brewing in the western suburbs.
Products and Services
As they rebranded Life’s a Cabaret into Liquor Park, the duo wanted to bring in more spirits and local products — especially craft beer, then at the beginning of a massive spike in popularity. “We try to find more small-production, craft stuff. Like wines, for example. We try to focus more on female-run wineries, biodynamic producers, farm-to-table,” Syron said. “Not stuff you’re going find at your local bodega or Walgreens.” Besides fewer maintenance headaches, the new location on the north side of North Avenue will allow Liquor Park to stock more inventory, as well as staples like ice and mixers they didn’t have space for before. The owners also plan to hold more events and are continuing a monthly wine club. “Before, I referred to us a little bit of an inconvenience store because you could get the whiskey here, but you had to go somewhere else for the Coke,” Wonak said. “Now, we have room for it.”
Grand Opening
Liquor Park plans to host a soft opening in the spring and a grand opening this summer. More updates can be found on its Instagram.
Conclusion
The reopening of Liquor Park in its new location is a significant development for the Wicker Park neighborhood, offering a wider selection of craft liquor, beer, and wine, as well as a more convenient shopping experience.
FAQs
- Q: When is Liquor Park reopening?
A: Liquor Park is reopening at the end of April, depending on when its final license comes through. - Q: Where is the new location of Liquor Park?
A: The new location is at 1942 W. North Ave, across the street from its original storefront. - Q: What can customers expect from the new location?
A: The new location is almost twice as big as the previous space, with new refrigerators, expansive windows, and updated shelving, allowing for a wider selection of products and a more convenient shopping experience. - Q: Will Liquor Park continue to offer its monthly wine club?
A: Yes, the owners plan to continue the monthly wine club and hold more events at the new location.
