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2015 To Be 'a Wild Ride' for Cheesie's, Whiskey Business, Owner Predicts

By Alisa Hauser | January 2, 2015 9:53am | Updated on January 5, 2015 10:48am
 A joint grilled cheese eatery and a fry bar is headed to Wicker Park.
Cheesie's and Whiskey Business
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WICKER PARK — The journey of bringing a grilled cheese eatery and adjacent "fry bar" to Wicker Park has been slow, but the owner of the venture says now that a building permit has been issued, he is "more than prepared" to open in the spring.

Chris Johnston, owner of Cheesie's Pub and Grub in Lakeview, said this year "is going to be a wild ride; I'm excited." 

He's bringing the popular grilled cheese spot to 1365 N. Milwaukee Ave. and adding an '80s and '90s-themed french fry bar, Whiskey Business, to the mix.

Located at 1365-57 N. Milwaukee Ave., Cheesie's and Whiskey Business will be sandwiched between Harold's Fried Chicken and Futurgarb boutique, and across from Emporium Arcade Bar at 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Alisa Hauser says a rooftop patio will be a big attraction:

The site, vacant since a family-run furniture shop burned down six years ago, is owned by  Syung Han according to county records. Though Cheesie's first hoped to open last year, the construction site saw little activity in the last year.

A building permit for a $120,000 project was issued on Wednesday much to Johnston's relief, giving him the green light to apply for a business and liquor license.

"I'm excited we got the [building] permit. We got it on the last day of 2014, too. Even though there have been delays, everything is falling into place, and there are a lot of people to thank for making it happen," Johnston said.

Members of the Wicker Park Committee, a local neighborhood group, approved the zoning change needed for the project last December.

Cheesie's will have a capacity of 95 patrons. Whiskey Business, which will feature round, conversation-friendly cushioned booths, will seat 60 diners.  

A rooftop patio spanning both restaurants will accommodate 120 people.

Johnston said that french fries will be the main focus of the fry bar, though there will also be other items such as pork chops.

Johnston said he's interested in exploring the idea of offering "live acoustic music events under the stars" on the patio including a Southern rock night.

Johnson shared some menu previews, including a poutine bar concept.

After choosing from several type of fries (sweet potato, steak cut, shoe string, etc.), diners will select from ground beef, shredded chicken and sloppy Joe, among other meat toppings. 

Veggies and sauce toppings include corn, tomatoes, black olives, hard-boiled egg and "ketchup mayo," according to a draft menu that promises "many more options to come."

In addition to fries, Whiskey Business will offer "infused burgers" stuffed with Jalapeno poppers, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and kale. There'll also be four types of salads and pasta dishes.

A weekend brunch will be dubbed "The Breakfast Club," in keeping with the '80s and '90s theme, Johnston previously said.

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