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Read the press release here.

Happy Village Sale to New Owners Stalled By Longstanding Liquor Ban

By Alisa Hauser | September 13, 2016 9:46am
 Beloved neighborhood dive Happy Village, known for its serene back patio and indoor rec room, is for sale.
Beloved neighborhood dive Happy Village, known for its serene back patio and indoor rec room, is for sale.
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EAST VILLAGE —  The sale of Happy Village is still underway to the owners of Lucky's Sandwiches who plan to keep the beloved neighborhood dive — known for its serene back patio and indoor rec room — exactly as it is, with a few improvements such as adding glassware and turning away rowdy trolley revelers, it was announced on Monday.

But in order for the liquor license to change hands so Happy Village second-generation owner Cherlyn Pilch can retire and sell her building at 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. and business to Jonathan Connelly and Joseph DeRosa, a longstanding liquor ban needs to get lifted.

At the East Village Association's monthly meeting attended by a few dozen residents at The Winchester on Monday night, Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) said he is willing to lift the liquor moratorium, "as long as Happy Village stays Happy Village."

 Joe Connelly, co-owner of Lucky's Sandwiches, speaks to members of the East Village Association.
Joe Connelly, co-owner of Lucky's Sandwiches, speaks to members of the East Village Association.
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DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser

Hopkins said he will also require Connelly and DeRosa to work with community members and agree to a "Plan of Operation" that will be attached to the license and once approved, the plan will be posted online, joining over 200 other Chicago business that are required to operate under more restrictive plans of operation.

Connelly said that he is willing to work with the East Village Association to draft a Plan of Operation.

While Connelly and the crowd brainstormed possible specifics of the plan, which could include not allowing rowdy trolleys and buses to idle outside the bar, turning away already intoxicated trolley riders, hiring security and prohibiting live music in the bar garden, nothing was ironed out or drafted at the meeting.

Daniel Johnson, president of the East Village Association, said that did not have a date on when that plan draft will be completed but the group and Connelly agreed to begin drafting it.

Connelly said that he has given "earnest money" to Pilch and lawyers on both sides are finalizing plans to complete the sale. However, when talks first started last March, Connelly said he was not aware of the existing liquor ban prohibiting sales on Wolcott between Division and Augusta.

"There have been a lot of hiccups on this sale," said Connelly, who admitted to being at a point of "deal fatigue" on the logistics.

Months ago, Connelly and DeRosa sold their Wicker Park Lucky's to new owners so that they could focus on Happy Village and Lucky's Sandwiches in Wrigleyville.

Pilch was not at the meeting and was not immediately available for comment early Tuesday.

Hopkins said that he has met with Pilch on two occasions and her desire is to retire and sell the bar to Connelly and DeRosa.

As far as complaints go, Hopkins said Happy Village has very few in regards to noise, litter and public intoxication.

Donnelly got applause when he said that he might make a few changes, such as serving drinks in glassware instead of plastic cups.

"Besides a few minor needed improvements to the building that will preserve the well-being of this historically Landmarked building, such a general maintenance, landscaping, painting and repairs to the property, we plan on running the business as it has always run," Connelly wrote in a letter that was given to attendees.

The letter also promised that Happy Village will continue traditions of sponsoring neighborhood sports teams, hosting community meetings, donating gift certificates to charities and welcoming nonprofit fundraisers to "enjoy one of the finest beer gardens in the city."

The only opposition to lifting the ban came from a few neighbors who live across from Happy Village.

After the meeting, Michael Reed, who lives within 150 feet of Happy Village, said noise is a concern, especially from the beer garden.

"Bars should be seen and not heard. Happy Village is heard," Reed said.

Another neighbor of the bar for the past 20 years said, "I've heard too many breakups on my stoop."