Today, the Chicago Tribune reports that Sam's Wines will be closing their recently opened mega store at the corner of Roosevelt and Wabash. In our opinion this store is beautiful and every time we've been it actually seemed pretty busy. CEO, Richard DiStasio claims that the closing is:
"Due to the slower than anticipated development of the South Loop area, we were forced to cease operations at that location,"Not sure we believe that, but that's besides the point. Sam's has been having some issues from a corporate standpoint and from what we've recently read the family who created the business sold out. Regardless, this is probably good news for some of the local wine stores like Wine Styles and South Loop Wine Cellar.
Finally, Dairy Queen just opened up on the northwest corner of Congress and Wabash. Although we really like dilly bars, we're not that excited about this one.
(Hat Tip: JC)
14 comments:
I had high hopes for Sam's, but Binny's beats them hands down in every respect expect for location. In addition to having a relatively crappy beer selection, they didn't even bother to keep the beer cooler stocked. Nor could they ever get my discount card to me!
Sams is no loss whatsoever, except for the issue about leaving that prominent corner empty. The current ownership has completely run them into the ground and they are a shadow of what was once one of the best wine stores in the world. Most of their knowledgeable staff has long since left for greener pastures (I see them at Binny's among other places all the time). The problem isn't the South Loop, the problem is with Sams.
Dairy Queen has been open for a couple months now....I walk by it every day...and as long as your talking about a place this far North, don't forget about Printer's Row Wine Shop. It's not as big as other places but better than 7-11.
"Due to the slower than anticipated development of the South Loop area, we were forced to cease operations at that location,"
What the h#ll kind of statement is that? From a CEO no less. Has he even been to the south loop before? Wow Sams was always busy I am shocked by this news.
That Dairy Queen is always packed. I finally went in for a blizzard... it was the consistency of a runny milkshake.
Every time my wife and I go to that DQ it ends in disappointment . . . what we get is never what we order.
It also seems to attract a lot of bums IMO.
And I thought anything North of Congress was not considered "South Loop"?
New management drove the entire Sam's business straight into the ground . . . and Binny's walked in and bought up the wreckage for a song.
Don't blame the (alleged) lack of South Loop patronage.
This is great news. Fox & Obel were in talks for a long time to take over that building. Sam's had more money and were able to make it happen. With lower commercial rents, maybe, Fox & Obel can revisit opening up in the South Loop. For those that don't know, Fox & Obel is a premier gourmet food market.
A Fox & Obel would be a great addition to this area but I'd be stunned if one actually set-up shop here.
Fox & Obel has been having a tough time in their current location. They were purchased earlier this year and the management has replaced the chef/kitchen staff for the cafe and catering operations. IMO, they aren't what they used to be. I would love for them to be nearby, I just think the new owner might not even condsider it.
A Fox & Obel would be tremendous! This would by far be the biggest commercial opening in years in this neighborhood if it is true. This type of commercial is usually reserved for Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, etc.
Although we all know this is a great hood to live - a Fox & Obel would send a similar message to outsiders who only equate development flops, condo auctions, and vacant storefronts with the South Loop.
A Dean & Deluca would be better.
I challenge all of you to return to my DQ... And if you do not get what you ordered, at least let us know so we can correct the problem. That's only fair, Scrumpy and Carl.
BG
I challenge all of you to return to my DQ... And if you do not get what you ordered, at least let us know so we can correct the problem. That's only fair, Scrumpy and Carl.
BG
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