Eater Chicago - Bottled Blonde: Five Years of Controversy in River NorthThe Chicago Restaurant, Bar, and Nightlife Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52682/favicon-32x32.png2020-07-28T10:30:54-05:00http://chicago.eater.com/rss/stream/155044512020-07-28T10:30:54-05:002020-07-28T10:30:54-05:00Bottled Blonde Permanently Closes in River North After Five Years of Turmoil
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<img alt="A bar that’s closed." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DaPBUZZwDrbxtEbk7P47RHEn9kE=/0x0:4032x3024/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67121150/IMG_5452.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bottled Blonde is closed in River North. | Ashok Selvam/Eater Chicago</figcaption>
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<p>After lawsuits, a racist dress code, and other complaints, COVID-19 is what forced the closure</p> <p id="vbsp2N"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/5/15740410/bottled-blonde-river-noth-dress-code-storystream">After five years of turmoil</a>, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde">Bottled Blonde</a> is officially closed. Its windows are taped up with black garbage bags and all social media accounts are deleted. A worker outside the embattled River North bar said Tuesday morning that ownership decided to close Monday because of COVID-19 and its simmering legal battle against the city. A Chicago spokesperson confirms the closure, saying that Bottled Blonde surrendered its business licensee on Monday. </p>
<p id="C3r21C">Neighbors waged a battle against the “contemporary Italian restaurant” even before it <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2015/11/4/9669000/bottled-blonde-photos-menu-open-chicago">opened in 2015</a>. While licensed as a restaurant, neighbors complained it was operated like a nightclub. There were noise complaints to police and frustration about traffic congestion as patrons lined up near Wells and Illinois streets. Videos showed patrons exiting the venue late at night and vomiting on sidewalks. River North residents living in condo and apartment towers didn’t want to worry about that in their neighborhood. </p>
<aside id="Z4nVQ4"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"chicago-eater"}'></div></aside><p id="y4jkP2">The city ultimately <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/11/22/16691394/bottled-blonde-chicago-license-revoked-appeal">stripped Bottled Blonde of its liquor license</a> in 2017. <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/20/16801174/bottled-blonde-lawsuit-chicago-liquor-license-revoked-river-north">Bottled Blonde countersued</a>, which allowed the venue to continue business as the lawsuit remained tied up in courts. A legal back-and-forth continued through this year. </p>
<p id="50WqsM">A prevailing gripe was management deceived the city when submitting its business plan to obtain licenses. It portrayed itself as a restaurant where sports fans could watch a game if they wanted. Instead, at numerous meetings held at City Hall police described a scene where seating was moved nightly to make room for a dance floor and DJs regularly blared music. Residents argued that this part of River North wasn’t the right match for the business; it wasn’t Hubbard Street, which is more of an entertainment district.</p>
<p id="wg5gLw">Bottled Blonde brought a college spring break mentality to Chicago, and it’s part of an Arizona-based chain, Evening Entertainment Group. The company operates other locations in Dallas and Arizona. Corporate didn’t return a request for comment Monday night. Bottled Blonde was in the spotlight last month after Instagram account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/endchicagonightliferacism/">End Chicago Nightlife Racism</a> — a handle that focuses on stories about racism at Chicago’s bars and clubs — published a video of a man who worked as a manager at Bottled Blonde <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBn6nyNnPAE/">using the N-Word</a>. Back in June, a spokesperson for Evening Entertainment confirmed the man worked for Bottled Blonde, but left in March.</p>
<p id="3Tenng">Neighbors who attended community meetings and kept up with the saga through the years expressed muted satisfaction Tuesday. The pandemic makes it difficult to celebrate anything. Bottled Blonde management has maintained it wasn’t treated fairly by the city. They’ve tried to work with neighbors by hiring additional security. But ultimately, it was the business climate that led to the closure. Bottled Blonde, which serves pizza and the tragically named “Double B Burger,” had no outdoor seating, and the city only allows restaurants a 20-percent customer capacity. </p>
<p id="w3CrnP">A spokesperson for the city’s Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department (BACP) provided a statement confirming the closure:</p>
<blockquote><p id="NFXSC8">“Yesterday, Bottled Blonde surrendered their business licenses, permanently closing the River North bar after a series of serious nuisance conditions dating back to 2017. The establishment has a history of egregious license violations, including over-occupancy, noise violations, public urination, vomiting, and other problematic conditions that have had a serious impact on neighbors and the surrounding community. The City is pleased that yesterday’s action will end three years of legal proceedings with the permanent closure of this problem business.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="e9G04l">Through the years, Bottled Blonde contributed many memorable stories. Here’s a summary:</p>
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<li id="RqNNXF">In August 2015, residents start circulating a petition <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2015/8/19/9177891/bottled-blonde-neighbor-opposition">before Bottled Blonde opens</a>. They’re worried about noise and traffic. They also create a website in hopes of sending a message to ownership.</li>
<li id="ECTKcx">In November 2015, Bottled Blonde opens, describing itself as<a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2015/11/4/9669000/bottled-blonde-photos-menu-open-chicago"> a contemporary Italian restaurant</a>. It becomes a spot for Sunday football and late nights. </li>
<li id="dR92TK">In March 2016 — after several calls to police and to Ald. (42nd Ward) Brendan Reilly’s office from residents — <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2016/3/24/11298672/bottled-blonde-complaints-city-hall">the first of several community meetings</a> takes place at City Hall. The goal is to work with neighbors and Bottled Blonde management to make everyone happy. No one is happy. There are complaints about Bottled Blonde customers vomiting in alleys as they exit the establishment.</li>
<li id="RTbXVM">At a May 2016 community meeting at City Hall, Bottled Blonde’s attorney compared the River North venue to fine dining restaurants <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2016/5/16/11673836/bottled-blonde-community-meeting-next-schwa">Next and Schwa</a>. The context is that the city and general public shouldn’t pigeonhole Bottled Blonde; if the city did it would limit imagination and the potential for business operators.</li>
<li id="fvczJP">In October 2016, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2016/10/10/13233750/bottled-blonde-gun-icident-chicago-report">a report emerges</a> that a patron, an off-duty police officers, pulled a gun inside Bottled Blonde to break up a fight. </li>
<li id="ekfu71">In May 2017, word spread online of a <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/5/31/15719332/bottled-blonde-dress-code-racist-reddit">controversial dress code</a> posted outside Bottled Blonde’s entrance. The code was quickly removed, but not before a chorus condemned the racist policies that are often used by bars to target Black men and keep them out of their establishments. </li>
<li id="Y7XqSJ">In September 2017, Bottled Blonde fires attorney Timothy Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald wasn’t able to make a court date due to <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/9/19/16334220/bottled-blonde-hearing-attorney-drug-michigan-arrest-chicago">an arrest in Michigan</a>. Bottled Blonde was represented by more than one lawyer over these five years.</li>
<li id="gZoFZg">In November 2017, the city revokes <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/11/22/16691394/bottled-blonde-chicago-license-revoked-appeal">Bottled Blonde’s liquor license</a>. Management <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/20/16801174/bottled-blonde-lawsuit-chicago-liquor-license-revoked-river-north">files a counter lawsuit</a>. They continue to do business.</li>
<li id="inFIws">In October 2019, the city raids Bottled Blonde and closes the venue down. Business <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/10/31/20942055/bottled-blonde-shut-down-chicago-license-revoked-river-north-supreme-court">licenses are revoked</a>. Bottled Blonde <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/11/1/20943977/bottled-blonde-chicago-back-open-illinois-state-appelate-court">attorneys file an appeal</a>; the bar reopens.</li>
<li id="vv4Q7y">In January, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/1/17/21070348/bridgeport-bakery-reopening-new-owner-bottled-blonde-sues-chicago-intel">Bottled Blonde files another lawsuit</a> against the city and alleges Chicago’s noise ordinance violates the state’s constitution. </li>
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https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/28/21344976/bottled-blonde-closed-chicago-river-northAshok Selvam2020-01-17T10:00:00-06:002020-01-17T10:00:00-06:00South Side Institution Bridgeport Bakery to Reopen Under New Ownership
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<img alt="Jelly-filled paczki doughnuts covered with powdered sugar." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7h_eK9N-5W8RyS-E--ohL-DoEpo=/312x0:5304x3744/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66121956/shutterstock_371781919.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A longtime paczki icon is coming back to Bridgeport. | <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/homemade-sugary-paczki-donut-cherry-filling-371781919" target="_blank">Shutterstock</a></figcaption>
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<p>Plus, the Bottled Blonde saga rages on, and more morning news</p> <h3 id="MU0DgE">
<a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bridgeport-bakery">Bridgeport Bakery</a> to triumphantly return</h3>
<p id="niCCMz">Legendary South Side favorite <strong>Bridgeport Bakery</strong> will soon reopen after <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/10/11/20909672/bridgeport-bakery-closing-paczki-new-eataly-chicago-restaurant-osteria-del-mercato-intel">sadly closing in October</a>, according to multiple reports. New owner Can Lao purchased it from longtime owner Ron Pavelka and he hopes to reopen its doors sometime in February in time for packzi day, February 25, the <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-bridgeport-bakery-reopening-0116-20200116-3tmh4kphbzacjc7nttec5jequa-story.html"><em>Tribune</em></a> and <a href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/01/16/bridgeport-bakery-is-coming-back-and-so-are-the-paczki-and-bacon-buns/">Block Club</a> reported. Lao is also reportedly remodeling the space, bringing back most of its employees, and hoping to add some Asian pastries to its arsenal of sweets. The beloved relic sold paczki, bacon buns, and more pastries for at least 47 years — some say 78 years — before closing last fall.</p>
<h3 id="0edmYA">Embattled <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde">Bottled Blonde</a> files another suit against the city</h3>
<p id="vDGLqu">The <strong>Bottled Blonde</strong> <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/5/15740410/bottled-blonde-river-noth-dress-code-storystream">saga</a> — which is approaching its fourth year — rages on with a new lawsuit from the owners of the embattled Arizona-based clubstaurant in River North. Ownership alleges that Chicago’s noise ordinance is “unconstitutionally vague” and thus is asking a Cook County Circuit Court judge to stop city officials from revoking its liquor license, <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/1/15/21068144/bottled-blonde-lawsuit-chicago-noise-ordinance-unconstitutional-liquor-license-river-north">the <em>Sun-Times</em> reports</a>. Chicago officials began their efforts to shut the bar down <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2016/3/24/11298672/bottled-blonde-complaints-city-hall">in March 2016</a> over noise and vomit complaints and Bottled Blonde also sued the city in <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/20/16801174/bottled-blonde-lawsuit-chicago-liquor-license-revoked-river-north">December 2017</a> and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2018/5/11/17344162/bottled-blonde-chicago-bar-sues-city-the-river-lakeview-intel">May 2018</a>.</p>
<h3 id="9Cg8qQ">A basketball-themed pop-up bar is coming to Chicago</h3>
<p id="aduyut">Pop-up bars continue to come to Chicago, this time in conjunction with next month’s NBA All-Star Weekend. <strong>The Hangtime Experience</strong> is slated to run from February 13-16 at 1251 W. Taylor Street and include “boozy basketball inspired drinks,” “basketball inspired food,” “wall to ceiling basketball decor,” games, DJs, and more. <a href="http://hangtimeexperience.com/">More information is available on its website</a>.</p>
<h3 id="6x2EMB">
<a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/starbucks">Starbucks</a> plans to open 100 community stores in low income neighborhoods</h3>
<p id="DZvQ7y">More than three years after <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2016/9/27/13076154/starbucks-opening-englewood-south-side-chicago">opening one of its first community stores in Englewood</a>, Starbucks plans to roll out the program to more than 100 more spots in “underrepresented” neighborhoods around the country by 2025, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-expands-commitment-in-underserved-communities-across-the-us/">the coffee giant announced</a>. Starbucks hasn’t revealed specific locations yet, so stay tuned. </p>
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https://chicago.eater.com/2020/1/17/21070348/bridgeport-bakery-reopening-new-owner-bottled-blonde-sues-chicago-intelDaniel Gerzina2019-11-01T13:24:48-05:002019-11-01T13:24:48-05:00Bottled Blonde Back Open Thanks to Appeals Court
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<img alt="A bar in Chicago with a rectangular bar and green walls. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sp3GcDfTvW62NkVeo7kWKXevO7E=/301x0:5109x3606/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65608423/IMG_1260-HiRes.0.0.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bottled Blonde is back open. | Bottled Blonde [Official Photo]</figcaption>
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<p>Owners say the River North bar will be open on Friday</p> <p id="QpfKq6"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/10/31/20942055/bottled-blonde-shut-down-chicago-license-revoked-river-north-supreme-court">Thursday’s court proceeding hardly signaled</a> an end to the <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde"><strong>Bottled Blonde</strong></a> saga as the River North restaurant and bar will be back open today in River North, according to its owners. The Illinois Appellate Court on Friday granted Bottled Blonde’s attorneys an emergency motion. The higher court’s order allows Bottled Blonde to reopen a day after a Cook County circuit court judge denied a similar request from attorneys.</p>
<p id="sea7jE">The city revoked Bottled Blonde’s license on Tuesday and police shut the establishment down on Wednesday. The space remained closed to the public on Thursday as attorneys appeared in court and filed paperwork. After convening at Daley Center, Bottled Blonde attorneys filed an appeal Thursday afternoon with the state appellate court with hopes of reversing the circuit court’s decision to uphold its license revocation. In Cook County court on Thursday, Bottled Blonde’s attorneys argued that the business would be destroyed if the courts kept it closed as it began the appeals process.</p>
<p id="vM0qDp">Bottled Blonde is an Arizona chain that opened its Chicago location in 2015. It also has a Dallas location. It’s known for large TVs with sports and dance floors with loud music. Residents living near Bottled Blonde at 504 N. Wells Street complained of noise, traffic, and safety concerns. There were a series of hearings at City Hall. The city revoked the space’s liquor license <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/11/22/16691394/bottled-blonde-chicago-license-revoked-appeal">in November 2017</a>. Bottled Blonde sued the <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/19686/bottled-blonde">city in December 2017</a>. The courts allowed the space to remain open as legal proceedings continued. Bottled Blonde’s reputation took a hit in June 2017 after news of <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/2/15728944/bottled-blonde-internet-rage-liquor-license-hearing-racist-dress-code-yelp-facebook">a racist dress code spread</a>. That didn’t have an impact on court proceedings.</p>
<p id="eenaTp">A spokesperson provided this statement from Bottled Blonde: </p>
<blockquote><p id="WsNbm3">“Bottled Blonde is very pleased that the Illinois Appellate court has ordered that Bottled Blonde may reopen for business while it considers the legal positions of the parties. The restaurant will be open for business today and looks forward to continuing to be a positive addition to the vibrant River North neighborhood.”</p></blockquote>
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https://chicago.eater.com/2019/11/1/20943977/bottled-blonde-chicago-back-open-illinois-state-appelate-courtAshok Selvam2019-10-31T13:12:33-05:002019-10-31T13:12:33-05:00Bottled Blonde to Stay Closed After Judge Rejects Request From Owners
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<figcaption>Bottled Blonde | Bottled Blonde [Official Photo]</figcaption>
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<p>The next stop could be the Illinois Appellate Court</p> <p id="fQGBMb"><strong>UPDATE: </strong>Bottled Blonde’s attorneys on Thursday afternoon filed an appeal with the Illinois Appellate Court.</p>
<p id="lGoWBb">A judge on Thursday morning ruled that <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde"><strong>Bottled Blonde</strong></a>, the embattled River North restaurant and bar, will stay closed. Attorneys for the Arizona-based restaurant/nightclub hybrid asked the court for an emergency stay after <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/10/30/20940998/bottled-blonde-license-revocation-hearing-scheduled-thursday">police shut the spot down on Wednesday</a>, revoking the establishment’s business license and announcing the action with an orange sticker affixed to the front door. Cook County judge Neil Cohen denied that request, which means Bottled Blonde will stay closed at 504 N. Wells Street.</p>
<p id="lOakuu">Bottled Blonde could elect to appeal the ruling to the Illinois Appelate Court. But those proceedings could take some time, and ownership wants to keep the establishment open as they proceeded with the court. Attorney Edward Feldman argued that his client’s infractions were “not of sufficient severity for the draconian sanction of revocation.” Another Bottled Blonde attorney, Jeanne Gallucci, urged Cohen to issue a temporary stay that would keep the space open. She said it could take as long as a week for the state appellate court to grant them a stay.</p>
<p id="8u02qY">“The business will be destroyed in that time,” Gallucci said.</p>
<p id="5KBEo0">Cohen adamantly rejected Gallucci’s argument, repeatedly saying “denied.” He added that she didn’t know how Bottled Blonde’s business would be affected. He urged her to file the needed appeal papers.</p>
<p id="AibGBG">Gallucci and Feldman argued that the court should have mercy on Bottled Blonde’s employees who would be without jobs. They mentioned that ownership would lose $4 million in revenue. Cohen was not persuaded. </p>
<p id="lYq0Sk">“I am not here to save the Bottled Blonde from its own defects, waivers, failures,” the judge said.</p>
<p id="UzzwMz">City attorney David Smith argued that Bottled Blonde’s plight wasn’t an isolated incident that involved a single employee, that it deserved to have its licenses revoked as the pattern of behavior showed “the conduct of the business, not a rogue employee.”</p>
<p id="VRuKg7">Neighbors, who have pressed the city to close down Bottled Blonde since it opened in 2015, rejoiced after Thursday morning’s hearing at the Daley Center. They hugged outside the courtroom, particularly relieved that Bottled Blonde would remained closed today; Halloween is a particularly busy day for Chicago’s bars. During the last four years, neighbors have presented videos, noise complaints, and traffic concerns to city officials in a series of hearings at City Hall.</p>
<p id="ROkj7L">The city’s attorneys had argued that Bottled Blonde violated its operations plan which it submitted to get the proper licenses before opening in 2015. Bottled Blonde presented itself as an Italian restaurant, but the majority of its money came from liquor sales. That showed, they said, it operated more like a nightclub. The business had a reputation as a sports bar during the day. But at night, furniture was cleared to make room for a dance floor and DJs. </p>
<p id="nwYDJy">Residents maintained that Bottled Blonde wasn’t in the right neighborhood. They said it would be better off on Hubbard Street rather than near condo and apartment buildings. The building’s previous tenant <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2014/9/3/6163093/sushisamba-closed-for-renovation-reopening-unknown">was SushiSamba</a>, a Japanese restaurant. </p>
<p id="I9iFv0">Bottled Blonde is owned by <a href="https://eveningentertainmentgroup.com/bottled-blonde/">Evening Entertainment Group</a>, which runs 17 establishments in Arizona and Texas. The first location opened in Scottsdale, Arizona. A Dallas location <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2017/10/25/16537010/bottled-blonde-deep-ellum-finally-open">opened in 2017</a>. A Houston location <a href="https://houston.eater.com/2018/12/13/18138907/bottled-blonde-washington-avenue-houston-opening">is also planned</a>, but there hasn’t been an update in about a year.</p>
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https://chicago.eater.com/2019/10/31/20942055/bottled-blonde-shut-down-chicago-license-revoked-river-north-supreme-courtAshok Selvam2019-10-30T19:22:30-05:002019-10-30T19:22:30-05:00City Revokes Bottled Blonde’s License, Hearing Scheduled for Thursday
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<figcaption>Bottled Blonde opened in 2015. | Bottled Blonde [Official Photo]</figcaption>
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<p>Bottled Blonde was closed on Wednesday in River North</p> <p id="khTZg8">A hearing has been scheduled for Thursday morning at Daley Center, as officials from <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde"><strong>Bottled Blonde</strong></a> want the city to <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/5/15740410/bottled-blonde-river-noth-dress-code-storystream">lift the revocation of its business license</a>. City officials affixed a large, orange city sticker on the door of the River North’s establishment on Wednesday announcing the revocation. The bar opened in 2015, and residents have argued in city hearings that Bottled Blonde has operated as a boisterous nightclub instead of the family-friendly restaurant it presented itself when securing necessary permits to the city.</p>
<p id="k76y2o">Bottled Blonde is an Arizona-based chain that’s part sports bar and part nightclub. When it opened at 504 N. Wells Street, officials described it <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2015/11/4/9669000/bottled-blonde-photos-menu-open-chicago#0">as a contemporary Italian restaurant</a>. Management is seeking another stay that would allow the bar to operate. City officials issued <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2018/11/26/18111670/vegan-celeb-chef-matthew-kenney-chicago-restaurant-althea-open-maple-tree-inn-bistro-intel">an emergency stay in November 2018</a> that allowed Bottled Blonde to operate normally. That came to an end on Wednesday.</p>
<p id="yQMsGb">Residents quickly organized before Bottled Blonde opened, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2015/8/19/9177891/bottled-blonde-neighbor-opposition">creating a website</a> in 2015 asking city officials to block the opening. They forecasted noise complaints and traffic problems. Turns out they could tell the future as residents at nearby condo buildings said they could hear music from floors above. They also complained about traffic bottlenecks, security concerns, and vomiting patrons.</p>
<p id="U4UUsU">Bottled Blonde attorneys argued they were unfair targets and that ownership had a right to run their business the way they wanted. After Chicago police made recommendations to the city, Bottled Blonde made some changes, like hiring additional security guards. But it wasn’t enough to sate residents who wanted them closed. </p>
<p id="2XqW4E">The city revoked Bottled Blonde’s liquor license <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/11/22/16691394/bottled-blonde-chicago-license-revoked-appeal">in November 2017</a>, but management filed an appeal. Bottled Blonde would file a lawsuit against the the city <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/20/16801174/bottled-blonde-lawsuit-chicago-liquor-license-revoked-river-north">in December 2017 to fight the revocation</a>.</p>
<p id="cOnv82">The process has been lengthy, as the city doesn’t often revoke licenses. Bottled Blonde has also gone through a few attorneys. At a May 2016 hearing, attorney Thomas Raines compared the bar to two of Chicago’s <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2016/5/16/11673836/bottled-blonde-community-meeting-next-schwa">fine dining stalwarts, Next and Schwa</a>. Another attorney, Thomas Fitzgerald, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/9/19/16334220/bottled-blonde-hearing-attorney-drug-michigan-arrest-chicago">was fired in September 2017</a>. He was jailed in Michigan for drug-related charges. The bar also found controversy in June 2017 when allegations <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/2/15728944/bottled-blonde-internet-rage-liquor-license-hearing-racist-dress-code-yelp-facebook">of a racist dress code spread online</a>.</p>
<p id="wvjhrc">Stay tuned on Thursday for updates.</p>
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https://chicago.eater.com/2019/10/30/20940998/bottled-blonde-license-revocation-hearing-scheduled-thursdayAshok Selvam2018-11-26T09:40:30-06:002018-11-26T09:40:30-06:00Vegan Celeb Chef Matthew Kenney Stealthily Opened His First Chicago Restaurant
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<figcaption>Althea is now open inside Saks Fifth Avenue on the Mag Mile | <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/althea-chicago-2?select=N5pDZ7tz9ayGpndERtxpog" target="_blank">Svetlana M./Yelp</a></figcaption>
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<p>Plus, the owners of a fire-damaged historic suburban spot opened a replacement and more intel </p> <p id="tPopXA">— Black Friday shoppers who visited <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=nOD%2FrLJHOac&mid=13816&u1=chicago-eater&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saksfifthavenue.com%2F" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Saks Fifth Avenue</a> in downtown Chicago may have been shocked to see the <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2018/8/27/17780972/chef-matthew-kenney-vegan-chicago-restaurant-althea-saks">store’s new seventh-floor restaurant</a>, <strong>Althea</strong>, was open for business. The vegan restaurant, from celebrity chef Matthew Kenney, had been open for much of November, <a href="https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/noted-vegan-chef-opens-restaurant-saks-fifth-avenue">according to <em>Crain’s</em></a><em>.</em> It’s a 64-seat spot for lunch and dinner. Check out the menu <a href="http://www.matthewkenneycuisine.com/althea-menu">at the link</a>, as the restaurant serves kimchi dumplings, a pizza with cashew cheese, udon with chicken tempeh, and a kelp noodle cacio e pepe. Many items were adapted from Kenney’s other restaurants. </p>
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<p>So excited to welcome our new restaurant to the 7th floor! #Althea by Matthew Kenney is an amazing new addition to our store and to Chicago! Make a reservation today! https://www.opentable.com/r/althea-chicago</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaksFifthAvenueChicagoIL/">Saks Fifth Avenue</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaksFifthAvenueChicagoIL/posts/2201638616514496">Monday, November 5, 2018</a>
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<p id="nrItfb">— Three months after <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2018/8/24/17777280/maple-tree-inn-blue-island-restaurant-fire-chicago-gourmet-2018-lineup-intel">burning in an early morning fire</a>, historic suburban restaurant <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/maple-tree-inn"><strong>Maple Tree Inn</strong></a> is back — at a temporary new location. <a href="https://myemail.constantcontact.com/MAPLE-TREE-INN-BISTRO-GRAND-OPENING-.html?soid=1103404816107&aid=3RHdgk-Pjbg">Maple Tree Inn Bistro</a> opened <a href="http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/historic-suburban-restaurant-reopens-after-burning-down">on Friday</a> at 13000 S. Western Avenue in Blue Island — about a half-mile away from the original restaurant — where the same staff serves the same menu of Cajun classics. Although ownership wrote that the new spot is temporary, there’s no word when the original might reopen.</p>
<p id="kVKSHK">— The owner of <a href="https://www.thewoodlawn1200.com/"><strong>The Woodlawn</strong></a> in Chatham is planning to add rotating pop-up restaurants to the South Side space, <a href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/11/26/the-woodlawn-wants-to-bring-pop-up-restaurants-to-its-chatham-community-hub/">Block Club reports</a>. The former bar-turned-community hub would be among the first spots to take advantage of the city’s new <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2018/7/25/17611930/chicago-short-term-pop-up-restaurants-ordinance-the-office-bar-replay-lincoln-park-intel">pop-up ordinance</a> that was passed in July and takes effect on December 1. </p>
<p id="q5BcOH">— <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2016/5/17/11690406/chicago-beer-museum-brewseum">While Chicago continues to wait for</a> Brewseum, the long awaited museum of beer that was teased more than two years ago, hop heads can grab a taste of what to expect over at the Field Museum. A new exhibit,<em> </em><em><strong>Brewing Up Chicago: How Beer Transformed a City</strong></em>, is open from now through January 5. <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/museums/ct-ent-chicago-beer-exhibit-field-museum-1124-story.html">The <em>Tribune</em> has a rundown</a> of what to expect as visitors are taken through the history of beer in Chicago. Learn about the Lager Beer Riot of 1855 and more. </p>
<p id="iDOk1t">— With Thanksgiving looming, did anyone actually think the <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde"><strong>Bottled Blonde</strong></a> <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/5/15740410/bottled-blonde-river-noth-dress-code-storystream">saga would end last week</a>? It didn’t. A Cook County judge <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/judge-allows-bottled-blonde-keep-liquor-license/">issued an emergency stay</a> during <a href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/11/21/bottled-blonde-ordered-to-put-up-100k-cash-bond-to-keep-liquor-license-while-it-fights-city/">a Wednesday hearing</a> so the River North nightspot could continue to operate as normal. According to city officials, if the judge didn’t issue the stay, Bottled Blonde would have lost its liquor license Monday, thus shuttering it and ending the saga between city officials, angry neighbors, and the restaurant/bar. Bottled Blonde can now remain open through the appeals process with the next hearing scheduled for December 15 when the bar’s attorneys should submit even more financial records. Judge Neil Cohen also ordered the bar’s owners to pay a $100,000 bond. </p>
<p id="ZWYMqz">— And finally, here’s some good news for fans of <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/snaggletooth"><strong>Snaggletooth</strong></a>, the cured fish specialist <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/6/15746218/snaggletooth-closing-date-southport-fish-restaurant-shrimp-boil-party">that closed in 2017 in Lakeview</a>: On Sunday, December 2, chef Jennifer Kim is hosting a Snaggletooth pop-up at her newer restaurant <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/passerotto-2"><strong>Passerotto</strong></a>. At the pop-up, which goes from noon the 4 p.m. in Andersonville, Kim will sell items from her and partner chef Bill Montagne’s (<a href="https://sf.eater.com/2018/9/28/17915434/ayala-hotel-g-seafood-restaurant-union-square-bar-crudo-melissa-perfit-bill-montagne">who has since departed</a> for San Francisco) shuttered Lakeview spot. The offerings consist of the OG lox, pastrami trout, and a cured fish tasting. Local artists will also sell crafts from noon to 7 p.m., and <a href="https://coquetelspirits.com">Coquetel Spirits</a> will sell glogg and another cocktail.</p>
<aside id="XhT6dm"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"chicago-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://chicago.eater.com/2018/11/26/18111670/vegan-celeb-chef-matthew-kenney-chicago-restaurant-althea-open-maple-tree-inn-bistro-intelDaniel GerzinaAshok Selvam2018-02-09T09:55:27-06:002018-02-09T09:55:27-06:00Bottled Blonde Faces Another Shutdown Effort From the City
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<img alt="bottled blonde" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LJWEtjhbntixffVqNIDMwjpq7bQ=/50x0:850x600/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58636599/IMG_1266-HiRes.0.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bottled Blonde [Official Photo]</figcaption>
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<p>Plus, Half Acre launches brunch and more intel</p> <p id="WIIFbr">— As <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde"><strong>Bottled Blonde</strong></a> stays open while it appeals the city’s effort to revoke its liquor license, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/6/5/15740410/bottled-blonde-river-noth-dress-code-storystream">the controversial River North clubstaurant </a>now faces a new challenge that could close it sooner. The city is attempting to level the bar — which has brought constant complaints from neighbors since before it even opened — with allegations of new violations of “nuisance behavior” such as more public urination and vomiting, <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/city-takes-another-swing-at-breaking-bottled-blonde/">the <em>Sun-Times</em> reports</a>. If the charges are successfully instituted Bottled Blonde could have to close during the appeal process. A status hearing is scheduled for February 20. </p>
<p id="9dUGR9">— Uber-popular brewpub <strong>Half </strong><strong>Acre</strong> launches all-day brunch at <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/35445/half-acre-bowmanville">its new locatio</a>n this weekend. The brunch, which will happen every Sunday from 10 a.m. until close, includes a porchetta Benedict, absinthe dill-cured salmon gravlax with the fixings on pumpernickel onion toast, and French toast with coconut pastry cream.</p>
<p id="U10qlU">— In other brunch news, Four Corners Tavern Group’s Fulton Market Mexican barstaurant <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/23745/federales"><strong>Federales</strong></a> also starts brunch this weekend. Look for dishes including red and green chicken chilaquiles and breakfast tacos on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., when one brunch dish and one drink goes for $15.</p>
<p id="DAD8qC">— <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/smyth">Smyth</a> and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/the-loyalist">The Loyalist</a> co-owners <strong>John Shields and Karen Urie Shields</strong> will tell their story about how they fell in love and opened restaurants together on Monday at 9 p.m. on the FYI series “Love at First Bite.” <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chicagoinc/ct-ent-john-shields-karen-urie-love-at-first-bite-20180208-story.html">The <em>Tribune</em> has more details</a>. </p>
<p id="VqjGOr">— <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dim-sum-give-some-pop-up-with-dandan-and-duck-duck-goat-tickets-42112705235?aff=es2">Additional tickets have just been added</a> for Stephanie Izard’s dim sum brunch collaboration with Milwaukee favorite <a href="http://dandanmke.com/">Dan Dan</a>, taking place this Sunday at Duck Duck Goat.</p>
<p id="RnU0Rn">— And finally, Chicago sweets queen <strong>Mindy Segal</strong> just launched a new brand of marijuana edibles. Named Mindy’s Kitchen, the new line includes four flavors of fruit chews, eleven flavors of gummies and five flavors of hard candy; while the original line, <a href="http://www.mindysedibles.com/">Mindy’s Artisanal Edibles</a>, focuses on baked goods, brittles, and caramels inspired by her restaurant desserts.</p>
https://chicago.eater.com/2018/2/9/16994988/bottled-blonde-faces-another-shutdown-effort-from-the-cityDaniel Gerzina2017-12-20T11:00:04-06:002017-12-20T11:00:04-06:00Bottled Blonde Sues City Over Revoked Liquor License
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<figcaption>Bottled Blonde | Provided</figcaption>
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<p>The legal battle continues for the embattled clubstaurant</p> <p id="n8LAqh"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/bottled-blonde"><strong>Bottled Blonde</strong></a> has struck back against the city, less than a month after officials <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/11/22/16691394/bottled-blonde-chicago-license-revoked-appeal">ruled to revoke the bar’s liquor license.</a> The owners of the infamous River North establishment — the one <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2017/5/31/15719332/bottled-blonde-dress-code-racist-reddit">with the controversial dress code</a> and the one which has antagonized neighbors due to a myriad of allegations — has filed a <a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/blonde-pizza.pdf">counter lawsuit against the city</a> alleging officials had no basis to revoke their license.</p>
<p id="8vUZ8B">Bottled Blonde argues that it never agreed to a 2016 amendment to its operating plan which mandates the bar to sell more food than alcoholic drinks. City officials over the summer argued that more than 60 percent of the bar’s sales came from alcohol which violated that rule. That change came from Maria Lapacek, commissioner of the city’s department of business affairs and consumer protection, according to the lawsuit. Bottled Blonde’s attorneys claim that only Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former city liquor control commissioner Gregory Steadman had authority to amend the plan, thus its unenforceable. Emanuel, Lapacek, and current city liquor commissioner Shannon Trotter are listed as defendants.</p>
<p id="20kX3P">Last month, city officials ruled Bottled Blonde misrepresented itself when applying for city permits. The owners of the Arizona chain of bars told officials they would operate as an Italian pizzeria. However, residents showed videos of employees moving furniture out at night to clear room for a dance floor; the space operated more like a dance club at night, and that required a different set of permissions. Neighbors began worrying about the bar in 2015, even before the bar opened. After the bar debuted, locals complained about over-served customers, traffic problems, and more.</p>
<p id="1ao5O7">Bottled Blonde has continued to operate as it begins appealing the city’s decision to revoke its liquor license. Expect more hearings in 2018. The lawsuit was filed on on December 14 in Cook County circuit court. Courthouse News first <a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/liquor-license-on-the-line-chicago-pizzeria-files-suit/">reported the story.</a></p>
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https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/20/16801174/bottled-blonde-lawsuit-chicago-liquor-license-revoked-river-northAshok Selvam