Bird is the Word! Cafe Society to Become Spoke & Bird

It appears that the quirky, but lovable Cafe Society is getting a makeover (via Crain's):

Cafe Society at corner of Indiana and 18th

Cafe Society in the South Loop is getting a new menu, new look, new name and, the owners hope, a liquor license.  

The sandwich and coffee spot that Jorge Armando Afanador opened in September 2000 is turning into Spoke & Bird in May. Alicia Bird, a project manager at online advertising buying firm Centro LLC, and Scott Golas, founder and CEO of Xmplifi, a Chicago-based software company, are now the majority owners. Mr. Afanador will remain as a minority partner who will manage the restaurant and its catering operations.  

"It needed a little love," Ms. Bird said of Cafe Society, where U2 lead singer Bono once stopped by in search of beer and Maggie and Richard Daley used to frequent.  

The new 33-seat dining room will get new furniture and flooring as well as cafe-style windows that will open onto 18th and Indiana streets. The owners, who are seeking a liquor license for beer and wine sales, are aiming for a late May debut.

We've always liked Cafe Society, their spacious patio and friendly owner Mr. Afanador, but it's good to hear that he's going to get some fresh blood to help him out.

Looking forward to seeing the changes come to life.

(Hat tip:  TOC, MS, AB!)