DOWNTOWN — Hannah's Bretzel could be the latest chain restaurant turning to booze.
The upscale sandwich shop has applied for a liquor license for its store at 400 N. LaSalle St., city records show. Hannah's Bretzel, which specializes in organic sandwiches with ingredients including Alaska smoked salmon and free-range chicken, also applied to build a patio at the River North store.
The application shows Hannah's is following other chain restaurants that have turned to selling alcohol in a bid to boost sales. Taco Bell in 2015 opened a "cantina" serving spiked slushies in Wicker Park, and many new movie theaters now come with a full bar. Starbucks rolled out its "Evenings" menu with beer and wine in 2010, although it is now cutting back on it.
A spokeswoman for Hannah's Bretzel, a local mini-chain with eight restaurants Downtown, did not return messages seeking comment. It's unclear what drinks it will sell. Employees at one Hannah's shop said they were aware of the company's plans and expect alcohol service to roll out one store at a time after its forthcoming debut in River North.
Staff at the store at 400 N. LaSalle said their restaurant should begin serving beer and other alcoholic beverages within "four or five" weeks.
