LOGAN SQUARE — Your Happy Place Liquors is not your typical liquor store.
When you walk in, the first thing you notice is a huge mural by Chicago-based artist Antonio Beniquez with cartoon beer cans wearing hats and sunglasses. That, combined with the industrial lighting and shelving, make the new store, 2501 N. Milwaukee Ave., feel more like an art gallery than liquor store.
"Our vision fits the direction Logan Square is going. The art, the different tastes and flavors," said David Cruz, who is opening the "art, liquor and cigar boutique" with his wife, Julia.
The husband-and-wife team is putting the finishing touches on the store ahead of a Dec. 16 grand opening. The store will sell a wide selection of local craft beer, craft spirits like Cruz de Fuego Mezcal, wine, cigars and locally-made art.
"Our inventory is going to be regularly evolving based on client needs and preferences," David Cruz said.
The inside of Your Happy Place Liquors. [All photos DNAinfo/Mina Bloom]
The pair said they were inspired by the lack of inviting liquor stores in the neighborhood.
"We've had many times where Julia wouldn't feel comfortable shopping at the neighborhood liquor store because it's dark and dingy," David Cruz said.
So they set out to create a neighborhood liquor store that was stylish and comfortable, but also unpretentious.
"I don't want someone to be afraid to ask a question because they'll get a 20 minute spiel about the type of hops in the beer," David Cruz said. "If I have extra bottles, I'll pop them open and they can taste it for themselves."
Neither has formal experience in selling alcohol. Julia Cruz worked in Chicago Public Schools' central office for 20 years until she was laid off in January due to budget cuts. During that time, David Cruz worked primarily as a banker and real estate agent but also helped run a pool hall with his brother.
Ready for a change, the couple snatched up the storefront in September and started renovating it.
Its proximity to the Megamall — which will soon be redeveloped into a massive complex — as well as BYOB restaurants like Crab Pad, 2529 N. Milwaukee Ave., made it the "perfect" location, the owners said. Plus, Julia Cruz was raised in Logan Square.
Once the store is up and running, the couple is planning to launch a delivery service for folks who forgot to bring booze to BYOB restaurants in the area. More details will be released in the coming weeks.
The store will also function as an art gallery, where local artists can showcase their work. Beniquez is the first of many artists the couple hopes to feature.
Store hours have yet to be finalized. Check the store's Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates.
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