Proposed Hinsdale Store Wants To Serve Liquor

HINSDALE, IL — A men's clothing retailer with a downtown Chicago location that has been temporarily closed plans to open a store in Hinsdale that would serve liquor to customers on the side.

Aaron Comes, owner of Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere, is in the process of buying a building in the 10 block of East First Street.

At Tuesday's Village Board meeting, trustees reviewed Comes' request for a liquor license to sell and offer tastings of spirits to his customers. He said he did not plan to have a designated bar area.

Comes also wants to sell packaged spirits. According to village information, about 1 percent of the retail floor area would be used to display "high-end spirits that have a 'cult' following and are privately sourced."

Additionally, Comes plans to hold about a dozen special events involving alcohol every year. He estimates liquor sales would account for between 5 and 10 percent of his total business income.

Trustee Scott Banke said his only concern was the village "pretty much" mandated that food is sold where alcohol is served.

"I get a little concerned that we are inching toward bars," Banke said. "It gives me pause. I would be interested if anyone shares that concern."

Trustee Luke Stifflear said he shared that concern at the beginning. But he said liquor sales would be a secondary source of income to make the customers' experience better.

Banke said he wasn't against the request, but wanted to hear the thoughts of his colleagues.

Comes noted retailers such as Nordstrom and Crate & Barrel serve liquor.

"They are trying to encompass and give the full experience," Comes said. "Yes, I will be applying for a food license. Do I want to be in the food business? Absolutely not. Do I want to do other things to create a unique experience for customers? Absolutely."

He said he has offered tastings in his downtown showroom.

"That is how I market my business. It's not to be over served," he said.

Trustee Gerald Hughes said he has been a client in Comes' store for a decade. He said the riots appeared to have ended things for Comes in downtown Chicago.

"There is nothing that would create concern for anyone here," Hughes said. "It's very discreet, very high end. There's nothing that would make anyone think about a bar or any of the things we are concerned with."

The trustees did not vote on a license for the business, but they generally favored it.

The trustees also indicated they were fine with approving liquor licenses for two other places:

• Egg Harbor Cafe, which does not serve alcohol currently, requested to be allowed to serve beer, wine and liquor.
• Toni Patisserie & Cafe, which does not serve alcohol currently, requested to be allowed to sell packaged beer and wine. A representative told the board that "we're a French place, and it adds to our brand. We're trying to stay in business."