Bow Truss Coffee Roasters will run the Mariano Park concessions kiosk in the Gold Coast, replacing the popular Whispers Cafe.
The Chicago Park District’s board of commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the concession permit for Bow Truss, according to Park District spokeswoman Jessica Maxey-Faulkner. Over the summer, some Gold Coast neighbors banded together to keep Whispers Cafe, which has operated in Mariano Park for more than 13 years.
Bow Truss, which emerged from a pack of eight applicants, will operate the kiosk and maintain the triangular plaza in the heart of the bustling Gold Coast neighborhood. It plans to serve its locally roasted coffee, as well as baked goods, sandwiches, salads and gelato, according to park board documents.
Nemer Alia, owner of Whispers Cafe, issued an open letter to the neighborhood before Wednesday’s meeting, thanking his customers and the park district.
“We greatly appreciate the grand opportunity and experience that we have had during our tenure at Mariano Park, and we want to thank you, our loyal customers and esteemed city officials, for helping our vision become a reality,” Alia said in the letter.
Bow Truss’ concessions permit will run for seven years with three one-year extension options, according to park board documents.
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