Tariffs, Labor, and Property Taxes Swirl around Lush Wine & Spirits
A Business in the Crosshairs
Mitch Einhorn remembers when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on European wine in 2019. It was a shock to businesses and consumers, and Einhorn is worried again.
"Tariffs are a huge, huge issue," Einhorn said. "It’s a direct inflationary spiral. It impacts so many industries."
Einhorn and his brother, Cliff, own Lush Wine & Spirits in Roscoe Village and West Town. They’ve operated the business since 2005 and have faced various challenges, including the Great Recession and the pandemic.
A Curated Wine Shop with a Restaurant
Lush combines friendly, educational service with a cozy bistro where customers can buy wine and enjoy a meal. The business has had a few ups and downs, including the closure of its University Village store in 2014 and its Evanston location in 2023. However, its Roscoe Village and West Town locations have become neighborhood staples.
Staffing Woes and Property Taxes
Einhorn employs about 15 people, most of whom work 30 to 40 hours a week. Staffing has been a significant challenge since the pandemic. "Hiring people has become incredibly hard," he said. "A lot of people got out of the hospitality industry, and I have no idea where they’ve gone."
The expense of operating in Chicago is another area of stress. The West Town store is under a lease, but Lush owns its Roscoe Village property. Einhorn is frustrated with the more than doubling of property taxes in Roscoe Village over the past 20 years. "I don’t know where the money’s going," he said.
Tariffs and the Economy
Einhorn is concerned about the proposed tariffs on foreign products, which could impact his business. "Some importers are thinking there may not be a tariff [on wine] this time … but nobody knows. Everyone’s just on pins and needles at this point," he said. Unlike some businesses, Lush doesn’t have the resources to stockpile products.
Despite these challenges, Einhorn remains optimistic about the economy. "The economy has been improving over the past year, with inflation down, and I see more people willing to spend money eating out or buying a nice bottle of wine," he said.
Conclusion
As Lush Wine & Spirits navigates the challenges of tariffs, labor shortages, and property taxes, Einhorn remains committed to his business. He is planning to renovate the Roscoe Village location and is eager to introduce new recipes and staff. His passion for wine and food is evident in every aspect of the business, and he is determined to make it thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are your biggest challenges as a business owner?
A: Tariffs, labor shortages, and property taxes are all significant concerns.
Q: How do you plan to address these challenges?
A: I’m planning to renovate the Roscoe Village location, introduce new recipes, and continue to source high-quality products.
Q: What keeps you going despite the challenges?
A: I genuinely enjoy writing new recipes and talking to people about wine and food. It makes it all worthwhile.
