Business

The Arcade’s Project

Wednesday, November 16, 2011
By Sophia Khan
The Arcade’s Project

Chris Tourre co-founded a company based on what he calls the “untapped marriage of video games and beer.” This seemingly juvenile obsession with beer is misleading, though, because Tourre is into good beer, really good beer. He and his business partner Lance Curran are the two guys behind Arcade Brewery. »

Act II

Thursday, November 3, 2011
By Eric Shoemaker
Act II

While the group’s mission has not waivered since it was founded in 1971, eta’s leadership is currently going through a major transition. The foundation’s long-time president and co-founder, Abena Joan Brown, stepped down this past March, on the 40th anniversary of the opening of the theater. She passed the reins to Philip Thomas, a... »

The Art of Drink

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
By Anna Fixsen
The Art of Drink

Rarely does Skittle-infused vodka lead to good choices. But for Graham Hogan and Joseph Rynkiewicz, the candy cocktail led to an innovative new venture in Chicago art commerce. The Hornswaggler Collection made its public debut last Friday night, in the place where it all began—Bridgeport’s Co-Prosperity Sphere. »

Lessons from the Barbershop

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
By Tomi Obaro
Lessons from the Barbershop

“This is the best barber school in Chicago,” says Charles R. Lenox, a toothy, caramel-complexioned man with a Bluetooth in his ear. Charles, who carries a photo of himself with his daughter at her graduation from the University of Chicago last year, has been cutting hair for 24 years. “I decided it was finally... »

Fresh Ideas

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
By Sharon Lurye
Fresh Ideas

Responding to the needs and expectation of their neighbors, the Experimental Station has launched numerous programs since the fire, in hopes of serving, equally, the diverse communities around it. Over the years, this commitment has manifested itself in areas of art, culture and politics. But perhaps the station’s greatest success has come through an... »

Grapes of Change

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
By Zack Goldhammer
Grapes of Change

Bill Lavicka, an eccentric rehabber and preservationist, has proposed turning the Raber House into a winery and vineyard. The rehab initiative, which he refers to as the “Chateau Chicago” project, aims to transform the long-abandoned building into a multiuse space for grape cultivation and wine sales. »

The Bookseller

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
By Aliya Ram
The Bookseller

It seems that Wilson has been a devoted boss, bookseller and man, and indeed his unassuming romanticism rolls off him in the ounceful, as he pulls up a red leather chair in his beloved shop, adjusting his glasses in earnest preparation for this interview. »

New Brews

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
By Sophia Anastazievsky
New Brews

Started by Samuel and his brother Jesse, the New Chicago Brewing Company, which is currently under construction, will soon occupy 13,000 sq. ft. of the Peer Foods Building in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. In this post-Goose Island buyout world, the brewery aims to utilize innovative and sustainable brewing practices to create a... »