Fischman Liquors and Tavern poured its final drinks in its Jefferson Park location last Sunday, permanently closing its doors as the result of a rent dispute with the property's current landlord. The bar celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year, making the abrupt closure even more of a shock to members of the community who had grown accustomed to its regular beer tapping and summer events.
When we spoke to him in May, Fischman Liquors co-owner Gus Karamaniolas seemed optimistic about the possibility of finding a new location for the bar, telling us that he "would love to open up a new operation, but it will take some time and lots of effort."
Thanks to some help from the community, the Karamaniolases have already moved on to their next project. According to Fischman Liquors co-owner Shanna Karamaniolas, she and her husband have signed a lease for a series of storefronts in the Portage Theater building. The pair hopes to open a bottle shop in the space later this year, selling many of the beers, liquors and wines that were offered at the former Fischman Liquors location. A bar and restaurant will follow, with a projected opening pegged for late spring 2017.
The shop will carry on the Fischman name, albeit several blocks to the south of its former location in Jefferson Park. Shanna Karamaniolas told us that she and her husband looked at several properties in Jefferson Park, but the Six Corners Association and 45th Ward Alderman John Arena helped the couple secure the new location in the Portage Theater building. "We'll still be able to hold outdoor events like our Kegs for Kidneys fundraiser," Karamaniolas said, referring to a portion of the adjacent Cuyler Avenue that will serve as a venue for Fischman's events.
Fischman Liquors will become the newest tenant in the Portage Theater building, which was sold to private equity firm Barnett Capital Ltd. earlier this year. The bar's move will likely coincide with some big changes in the Portage Park area, including the completion of a large development on the southeast corner of the Six Corners intersection which will house an Aldi and a Ross Dress for Less. Down the street at 4901 W Irving Park Road, three vacant buildings are being renovated to house a Binny's Beverage Depot and a Culver's restaurant.