UPTOWN — Eric Reid just wants to give Uptown what he believes it's been missing — a high-end craft cocktail joint, he said.
Reid had has his eye on the neighborhood since he moved to Chicago in 2011 and decided it was the perfect locale for his craft cocktail lounge because there weren't many options for the concept already, he said.
"You can't throw a rock in the West Loop, Downtown or other areas without hitting a craft cocktail place," said Reid, 43. "I wanted something high-end for Uptown. I think the concept is a winning one and the need is there. [We can] be one of the first in the neighborhood."
The concept for Apothecary will pay homage to Reid's day job as a pharmacist by giving off an "old world pharmacy" vibe. And it must be a winner to come to fruition because he hopes to open the pharmacy in the former Lawrence House, at 1020 W. Lawrence Ave., which was bought by FLATS Chicago in 2013.
The company will be hosting a competition called the #FLATSProject, a small business and community accelerator project designed to give the people "who devote their lives to [their business] a chance to hit the ground running." The contest, which kicks off in 2016 (an exact date has not been set), promises "more than $100,000 in benefits to their business from day one," according to its website.
"We’re looking for entrepreneurs who‘ve already poured their souls into their big idea, and are looking for an opportunity to make their business a part of a vibrant, diverse Chicago neighborhood," the website said.
Even though the contest hasn't started, Reid has begun a Kickstarter campaign asking for $25,000 to fund Apothecary. He was shown various places where his business might fit, but decided to wait for the contest to perfect his concept. He isn't putting all his eggs in one basket though.
"I'm shooting for FLATS and hoping I present a really solid project, but if not [I'll] go to Plan B," he said.
Watch a promo for the Apothercary below:
So far, the Kickstarter, which ends around 6 a.m. Wednesday, has raised more than $17,000, which would go toward acquiring the proper licenses, hiring a design firm and other business expenses. While still a few thousand short of his goal and with the clock running out, Reid is definitely not without hope, he said.
"It would be such a shame to have $17,000 dangled in your face then taken away. But I'm fairly confident we're going to reach our goal," Reid said.
Reid, of Lakeview, started paying more and more attention to Uptown as his friends flocked north of Lakeview. While housesitting for a friend, he walked the neighborhood and determined he wanted to make his footprint in the budding neighborhood, he said.
And so far, feedback from the neighborhood and on the Kickstarter have been overwhelmingly positive, he said.
"I've heard nothing but positive [things,]" he said. "I haven't heard any reservations and I think it's because I'm not trying to open another liquor store ... and I want to make [Apothecary] a destination spot."
Before moving to Chicago, Reid pursued his dream of creating craft cocktails by forming a restaurant and bar with two business partners in Philadelphia. Though he's moved away from the venture, his passion swelled and he couldn't fight his desire to do it again, except this time to "do it your way," he said.
"It's a passion. Nothing makes me happier than making some craziness and having my friends try it," he said.
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