Goddess and Grocer Expanding With Bakery Cafes in Loop, Navy Pier

Business folk, tourists, and other assorted eaters downtown will have two new options from the people behind The Goddess and Grocer this spring. Named Goddess and the Baker, they will be more fast-casual cafe and less retail, focusing on baked goods and coffee drinks.

One is slated to open in the Loop (33 S. Wabash) on April 15; the other will become part of the revamped food program in the east wing of Navy Pier around May 1. The Wabash location will hold 41 seats while the Navy Pier spot will be smaller with an abbreviated menu.

Look for a few options for specialty coffee at Goddess and the Baker, including Stumptown iced java on nitro tap. For food, expect pastries, breads, sandwiches and salads. A Goddess rep describes the design as "warm, open and airy with marble finishes and walnut wood."

Goddess and Grocer currently has three locations open: the Bucktown flagship on Damen that moved and expanded last year, 901 N. Larrabee, and in Terminal 5 at O'Hare. A Gold Coast location at 1127 N. State is slated to open imminently.