USA, IL: Vice District Brewing Company hoping to open before the end of the year

Hyde Park’s second brewery may arrive before the end of the year. Vice District Brewing Company co-owners State Rep. Curtis Tarver II (D-25th) and Quintin Cole plan to open in the South Side neighborhood by 2020, the Chicago Tribune reported. Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, opened in 2017, was Hyde Park’s first brewpub.

Although owners disclosed news of a pending Hyde Park location to the Tribune in June, little else is known about the project or where the taproom will be located in the neighborhood. Representatives did not return requests for comment and the original story did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, last week Vice District management announced that the popular Homewood location has ceased daily operations and the brand will shift to a focus on distribution. The taproom at 18027 Dixie Highway stopped serving in late June and will be available for a range of events, according to a Facebook post.

“In light of recent changes and growth within Vice District, we are excited to announce a shift in focus as we dedicate resources to grow our distribution operations,” the post reads. “In order to give due focus to this effort, Vice is thrilled to offer the newly renovated space in Homewood for private and community events and special occasions.”

The suburban shutter comes on the heels of Vice District’s eviction in early May from its original South Loop location when the Office of the Sheriff of Cook County posted green stickers to the windows of the taproom at 1454 S. Michigan Avenue. Plaintiff 1454 S. Michigan LLC claims Tarver and Cole owe $121,761.30 in rent or assessments, court costs, and attorney’s fees, the Hyde Park Herald reported.

Homewood reportedly approved $100,000 incentives for Vice District in 2016, and after a missed payment and 20-month delay, the brewery’s second location opened last summer. Ownership will be forced to pay back some of that money should the Homewood location close completely, Village Manager Jim Marino told the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle.

In the comments on the Facebook announcement, representatives wrote that they will keep the public informed about further developments in Homewood and the South Loop. Stay tuned for any news on those and in Hyde Park. Vice District’s beer offerings include “Pleasure Trip,” a blonde ale, and Cascadian dark ale “Habitual.”

04 July, 2019