Hyde Park residents raised a toast to a local business owner’s proposal to open a wine shop during a community meeting.

Open Produce owner Steven Lucy told his neighbors on July 14 that a niche exists for his proposed wine and craft beer store on 1448 E. 57th St.  He expects to see interest from diners frequenting nearby B.Y.O.B. restaurants. Business owners at the meeting supported the idea for improving dining experiences in a neighborhood with limited access to liquor licenses.

In response to concerns that he might switch to cheaper alcohol, Lucy said his grocery store Open Produce has not changed its stock of quality alcohol since it got a liquor license last year.

Most of the roughly 50 people at the meeting voted for the wine shop. Ald. Leslie Hairston’s Chief of Staff also indicated that the alderman would likely sign off on the store, which Lucy anticipates will open in the fall.

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Hyde Park News