Business & Tech

River Forest Starbucks Wants to Serve Beer, Wine

"Starbucks Evenings" would include beer, wine and apps. Whole Foods also seeks change to its liquor license to sell spirits.

Starbucks in River Forest is proposing to implement the "Starbucks Evenings" concept to the store by adding beer, wine and light appetizers to its menu.

Village officials on Monday will hear a presentation from Coffee House Holdings, Inc. about the concept, which would require approval of a Class 2 liquor license, according to a village staff memo. 

Like Oak Park-River Forest Patch on Facebook

According to the memo, Starbucks would sell around 12 wines by the glass or bottle and four to six craft beers. With the addition of alcohol, Starbucks would expand its food menu to include light appetizers. According to Village Code, a business with a Class 2 license is required to serve food with alcohol.

Starbucks serves alcohol at six other locations in the Chicago area, including its Burr Ridge and Schaumburg stores. The new offering of "Starbucks Evenings," is a result of Starbucks customers' requests, "to have more options for relaxing in their stores in the evenings," James Webster, a representative for Coffee House Holdings, Inc. wrote in an Aug. 8 letter to the village.

"A new product assortment that includes wines, craft and imported beers and premium foods will be the catalyst that brings customers into the store later in the day to share a connection with people close to them," Webster wrote. 

Whole Foods Market in River Forest is seeking a liquor license approval. The store seeks to change its Class 4A license to a Class 4 license, to allow the sale of spirits in addition to beer and wine, according to the memo.

The Village Board will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at Village Hall, 400 Park Ave., River Forest. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here