A Cidery Taproom Could Open in the Suburbs

It’s been only a few days since Eris, Chicago’s first cider taproom and brewpub, opened and there’s now plans for a cider taproom in suburban Oak Park. There’s no lease signed yet, but 2 Fools Cider wants to build a cidery with a taproom on a 6,200-square-foot plot of land at 6641-43 North Avenue in Oak Park, according to 2 Fools founder Monte Summers. Summers is hesitant to share an opening timeframe, as he’s early in the planning process. He’s been running 2 Fools since 2016 in Naperville where they have a taproom or modest “customer service bar” for cider flights and samples inside a 3,000-square-foot facility.

Summers compared the experience in Naperville more like Napa Valley where visitors sample wine. The taproom in Oak Park would have a similar atmosphere. Two Fools ciders are drier compared to the ones put out by bigger breweries. They also serve cider slushies and seasonal varieties in Naperville. Expect some surprises at the new taproom. Summers produced a barrel-aged cider for one of the iterations of the annual FOBAB event.

In case this Oak Park location doesn’t work, 2 Fools is also looking at other locations in and outside of the suburb. Oak Leaves first reported the story, as the cidery plan needs local approvals before progressing. Plans calls for a 1,000-square-foot tasting room.

Summers hasn’t visited Eris yet. His project is smaller in scale; they won’t have a kitchen or private event space. Summers is looking at stocking snacks that would pair well with his drinks. They recently started offering cheese and crackers in Naperville. Summers may partner with Gnarly Knots, a Winfield-based pretzel company. The new location, whether in Oak Park or elsewhere, may be a replacement for the Naperville location. Summers said he hasn’t figured out the future, so stay tuned.