Mariano Park Bow Truss Cafe Opens Monday in Gold Coast

Bow Truss Coffee's long-awaited outdoor cafe in the heart of Gold Coast in Mariano Park will open on Memorial Day. While work on the lights and fountain won't be complete for about two weeks, owner Phil Tadros wanted to take advantage of the holiday and give locals an early treat.

Tadros called the space "epic" and said local residents are really making him excited about the project. News of the expansion in the sliver of space at Rush and State streets broke in November, as the Chicago Park District considered new tenants to replace Whispers Cafe. Bow Truss came away with the contract from the kiosk and crews have been at the space moving in new furniture and revamping the cafe.

There's one big change, as originally, Tadros planned to sell pastries from Iliana Regan's Bunny, The Microbakery. That was a joint venture with Tadros that closed in April in Lakeview. Instead, Tadros now says that Bow Truss will now sell baked goods from Nico Osteria which is across the street from Mariano Park in The Thompson Hotel.

"We are looking to collaborate with the local business," Tadros said.

There's also plans for pop-ups and farmer's markets, he added. They'll be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, and going forward 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a chance of staying open later.