Gibson's, Shake Shack, Bow Truss Among Bidders For Gold Coast Park Space

A bidding war is underway for a space in a Gold Coast park, and some noteworthy hospitality players are involved. Gibson's, Shake Shack, Bow Truss, and Goddess and the Grocer are among those vying for the Whispers Cafe space in Mariano Park, the small island green and patio area where Rush and State Street converge, Curbed reports.

A Gibson's rep tells Curbed that the iconic steakhouse across the street would sell coffee, gelato, and other small items in the existing architecture. The park would seem to be in Shake Shack's wheelhouse, as the the worldwide burger and concrete phenomenon was born in a similar space in New York's Madison Square Park. Bow Truss owner Phil Tadros says that he would "bring the area great coffee" and partner with other prominent local concepts for baked goods, juice and other food, even throwing out the name of his and Iliana Regan's forthcoming Bunny the Microbakery. There are a myriad of other companies involved, which you can read here, including caterers, crepes, an Italian ice vendor, and the existing tenant, Whispers Cafe.

It's unclear when the city and park district will make a decision, so stay tuned.