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Rogers Park Provisions Giving Locals Sneak Peek (And Free Tequila) Saturday

By Linze Rice | August 12, 2015 8:30am
 Erik Archambault and partner William Meek prepare to open their new shop at 6928 N. Glenwood Ave.
Erik Archambault and partner William Meek prepare to open their new shop at 6928 N. Glenwood Ave.
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DNAinfo/Linze Rice

ROGERS PARK — After "nearly unanimous" support from the community, Ald. Joe Moore (49th) officially gave Rogers Park Provisions — a "one-stop dinner party shop" concept from the owners of Rogers Park Social — his seal of approval in lifting a liquor retail moratorium on the street.

On Saturday, the owners will be showing off their new digs at 6928 N. Glenwood Ave. during the 14th annual Glenwood Arts Fest, beginning around 10 a.m., owners Erik Archambeault and partner William Meek said.

"We are just so excited to open our doors to the community, and we still have a lot of things coming that will be here just after the weekend," Meek said. 

The couple said they would be offering free tequila samplings as a preview of what’s to come once the couple obtain the proper licensing, and urged neighbors to come check out the new store. 

From 2-5 p.m. Saturday, residents can get a taste of Tromba tequila and Treaty Oak Distilling at the space, the duo said.

Though in the near future Rogers Park Provisions will sell other perishable items like cheese, for now the two say they're focusing on the gift and drink side as they continue to "gauge interest" with the community, saying they're willing to make changes as they get more feedback. 

Beer bread mix, unique home accents, travel drinkware, handmade cards and more await visitors who stop by during the festival. 

Beer bread mix, durable non-glass wine glasses, artisan Edison bulbs and herbs-in-a-can are among some of the gifts the store sells. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]

A brand new storefront with Rogers Park Provisions branded across the front was visible Tuesday evening.

As the weekend approaches, Meek said he's been working on torching fresh-cut wood to create an authentic feel with the interior's design concept, while Archambeault heads up ordering and scheduling.

Together, they'll "get there" they say. 

In a recent email to constituents, Moore said the swelling of support behind the duo made the project's approval "an easy call," and said the noticeably small opposition to the plans were a "testament" to owners Archambeault and partner Meek, who Moore said had already "proven" their chops in establishing a community gathering place when they took over the former Sidecar Bar to make way for Rogers Park Social.

"William and Erik have shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that they can handle a liquor license responsibly and that the key to success for any business owner in Rogers Park is to integrate oneself into the fabric of our community," Moore said.

If the city council agrees to the changes, Archambeault and Meek will move Rogers Park Provisions into the former Armilla at 6928 N. Glenwood, just a few storefronts away from their current watering hole digs at 6920 N. Glenwood.

But before the shop can open and sell alcohol, it must first pass through the city's Zoning Board of Appeals to gain a special-use permit because the area of Glenwood between Pratt and Lunt falls under a moratorium on new packaged goods licenses — meaning the area is zoned to restrict the same type of license required by grocery stores to sell pre-packaged liquor.

If the ordinance passes lifting the restriction on new licenses, the rule change would have to remain in effect for at least one year per city code.

Moore introduced an ordinance to lift the ban on July 29, and said he expects to learn of the council's decision in the coming months.

Once the moratorium is lifted, Meek and Archambeault can apply for the license.

Rogers Park Provisions will be setting up shop just down the block from their digs at Rogers Park Social, 6928 and 6920 N. Glenwood Ave., respectively. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]

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