LOOP — Even if you don't have plans to stay in the new Virgin Hotel anytime soon, you can at least stop by for coffee.
Or booze.
Two Zero Three, Virgin's corner coffee shop and wine bar, will open at 7 a.m. Saturday at Sir Richard Branson's hotel, 203 N. Wabash Ave.
The cozy shop at Lake and Wabash will cater to business travelers and other jetsetting professionals in the morning, said Marlene Leslie, Virgin Hotels vice president of food and beverage. Chicago-based Bow Truss Coffee will supply the java, while Virgin will serve muffins and other breakfast snacks in a grab-and-go fashion.
Two Zero Three will join the hotel's existing restaurant, the Commons Club, and Miss Ricky's, a diner opening in early March. By introducing its own retail instead of leasing to others, the fledgling hotel chain is further stamping the Virgin brand in Chicago, Leslie said.
"We want locals, in whatever market we're going to, to experience the brand when they otherwise wouldn't," Leslie said.
Guests will pay by the shot for their espresso drinks, with a single-shot beverage costing $3.50, and doubles running $4.
At night, Two Zero Three will morph into a wine bar with 26 selections. Among the options: $17 glasses of Moët Imperial Champagne, or $12 glasses of Rosé. All wines and bubblies are also available by the bottle.
To celebrate its Valentine's Day opening, Two Zero Three will offer cards redeemable for two drinks this weekend. Beginning on Monday, the hotel will pass out #MondayMotivation cards redeemable for another free drink.
Two Zero Three's opening follows last month's Virgin Hotel debut. The shop will regularly be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
