EDGEWATER — By late spring, the vacant storefront that used to house El Norte in Edgewater could be filled with hungry customers once again — this time enjoying an expanded bakery and culinary menu for Baker and Nosh.
Representatives for the company confirmed the new 5600 N. Ridge Ave. spot would be the cafe's second location aside from its original digs at 1303 W. Wilson Ave. in Uptown.
"We’ve been looking to expand for a while now, and Edgewater’s community was the perfect neighborhood to do so,” said owner Bill Millholland. “The larger space will allow us to keep expanding while offering additional culinary and bakery services."
The new space will be "considerably larger" than Nosh's current spot in the historic Wilson Apartments Hotel building, taking up three ground-floor retail spots along the Bryn Mawr/North Broadway/Ridge Avenue corridor.
The same year that El Norte closed, 2012, Millholland and Terry Groff opened Baker and Nosh, specializing in baked goods, hearty dishes, homemade soups and sandwiches, and fresh brewed coffee and teas.
Details for the new location's expanded "experiences" will be coming soon, a representative said.
Since the restaurant's announcement earlier this week, residents have expressed excitement not only for its presence, but also to see the vacant storefront filled.
"I have to admit, I miss El Norte, although this looks 'pretty'. It will improve the area and bring some pedestrian traffic to a dead corner," Neighborhood Square user @makingadifference wrote.
"Great move Edgewater will love this," @clinton-jarriel-reyna said.
"Very smart move for B&N -- that location has tons of foot traffic / great proximity to the Red Line station. I expect that location to do very well," @UptownCPA wrote.
"Good for B & N its a great bakery and well run. I still miss el Norte burritos but thats how it goes," @Jeff_Littleton added.
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