LINCOLN SQUARE — Lincoln Square is about to regain a bit of its German flavor with the impending arrival of Vom Fass, an international retailer known for its cask-aged vinegars, oils and unique selection of wine and spirits — which customers are encouraged to sample at will.
Owner Michael Aldrich, who operates the Vom Fass franchise in Naperville, confirmed to DNAinfo that he has signed a lease on the storefront at 4755 N. Lincoln Ave. The store would be the first Vom Fass outpost within Chicago.
"There is a lot to be excited about for Vom Fass in Lincoln Square," Aldrich said via email.
"For one thing, Lincoln Square has traditionally been a German neighborhood, so many people will understand the name [which means from the cask or from the tap in German] and be familiar with many of the products," he said.
Aldrich is aiming for a late October or early November opening, dependent on obtaining the necessary licenses and the pace of the storefront's renovation.
Public records show Aldrich has applied for a package goods liquor license.
At a June meeting of City Council's Committee on License and Consumer Protection, Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) requested the lifting of a package goods ban on Lincoln between Wilson and Lawrence in order for Vom Fass to conduct business.
The first Vom Fass opened in Regensburg, Germany in 1994 and has grown from a single store in a small German city to nearly 300 outlets spread across Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and North America.
The company's hallmark is its "try-before-you-buy" sampling policy, with tastings typically poured straight from the cask.
Vom Fass is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its first U.S. franchise, which opened in 2007 in Madison, Wis. There are now 30 in the country.
In Lincoln Square, Vom Fass will join a number of specialty food and wine shops, including Savory Spice Shop, The Chopping Block, Gene's Sausage Shop and Augusta Food & Wine.
"We think we will have the beginnings of a great culinary neighborhood and destination for 'foodies' and lovers of fine wines and spirits," Aldrich said.
"As far as what guests should expect? Wonderful, tasty and unusual products in a unique and fun atmosphere," he said.
Check out this series of 360-degree images of the Naperville Vom Fass store.
