Former Residents Start Spicy New Business in Lincoln Square

A new business, headed by former Lincoln Square residents, will spice up Giddings Plaza this fall. 

Savory Spice Shop offers more than 400 dried herbs and spices, and has set its flavor at 4753 N. Lincoln Ave., formerly Sprouts children’s boutique. 

Manager David Trout predicts an August opening for the shop.

The company's spice blends are ground every week and delivered to all Savory Spice Shop locations, now more than 25 across 12 states.

But founders Mike and Janet Johnston have roots in Lincoln Square, previously living on Giddings Street. 

“It’s just kind of one of those things where we love the neighborhood, and it’s a way for us to come back,” said Trout, who also lived on Giddings at one time. “It seemed like the perfect fit.” 

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Lincoln Square will be the company's first location in the city.

Popular items include the standard salts and peppercorns, but the shop’s hit a niche in its rubs for seafood, meat and tacos.

Customers can also buy spices in small amounts, adding to the convenience of recipe testing, Trout said.

“This is the part I like about the shop the most; you can by a half-ounce to an ounce at the smallest,” he said. “It allows you to experiment a lot and have fun—search out those things you really like.”

For those with sweeter tastes, Savory Spice Shop also carries extracts for baking and homemade ice creams.

After opening, the shop’s guest chefs will host tastings and demonstrations for customers.