WICKER PARK — A Lakeview juice bar offering cold-pressed juices and cleanses is planning to expand in May to North Avenue in Wicker Park near a cluster of health clubs.
City Press Juice & Bottle, which originally started under the name City Harvest in May 2014, has signed a lease to rent a storefront at 2136 W. North Ave., about one block west of the Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenues intersection, its owners said.
The storefront is within a two block radius of Wicker Park Athletic Club, Bucktown Athletic Club, My Time Fitness, MaZi Dance and Fitness Studio and the former Cheetah Gym, just bought by Lakeshore Sports & Fitness.
The site is also across from a planned day care center that is currently under construction.
Founded by couple Angela and Anthony Maicki, who said they overcame symptoms related to personal illnesses through juicing, City Press features cold-pressed juices that are made in Chicago and sold at several spots, including Olivia's Market, a neighborhood grocer at 2014 W. Wabansia Ave. in Bucktown.
"We will continue to offer our juices at Olivia's ...we love their support for local, small businesses," Angela Maicki said on Tuesday, adding, "Anthony and I not only believe in what we do but we live it each day! We are honored to nourish the community through a quality product."
According to its menu, City Press Juice & Bottle offers healing elixirs, superfood blends and sprout-based snacks, along with cleanse packages and juice subscriptions.
Maicki said on Tuesday that a spring opening, likely in May, is planned. The company is currently on the hunt to hire "enthusiastic baristas," she said.
"It's a cozy little space. ... We will have bar seating and some tables. Actual seat counts have yet to be determined but there will be around 8 to 10 seats," Maicki said.
Maicki said prices on juices will range from $6-$10 for 16-ounce glasses, each made from 4-5 pounds worth of produce through a time-intensive cold-press process.
Charles Gibbs, a real estate agent for the building's owner, helped to bring the Maickis to the spot, located between a bank branch and Century Guild, an art gallery.
"I'm really happy to have been able to find a tenant that is as good a fit as I believe City Press will be for this space. A health-minded organic juice shop situated among all of the gyms and fitness-related establishments near the intersection of North & Damen just makes sense," Gibbs said.
Future home of City Press Juice & Bottle. [Charles Gibb/SVN]
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