An e-commerce startup that sells specialty liquor through a direct-to-consumer delivery service plans to set up its headquarters in Lincolnwood after the owner’s proposal received support recently from the Village Board.
Entrepreneur Michael Weiss is launching Big Fish, a mobile app that will allow customers to order some kinds of liquor and have it shipped to their front door.
He appeared at the Dec. 20 Village Board meeting seeking the necessary approvals for a liquor license and a zoning variation, which he needs to start operating his business.
The entire business model for Big Fish is conducted electronically, Weiss said.
When a customer places an order via the app, it will be filled from the stock of distilled spirits housed in a warehouse in the 6400 block of North Ridgeway Avenue and shipped to the client, he explained.
Following the board’s unanimous approval of a liquor license, special use permit and parking variations for the property, Weiss said he plans to launch his app in mid-January.
Weiss said he ultimately plans to eventually grow the business and expand to other states.
Because the number of Class B or retail liquor licenses made available to Lincolnwood businesses has already reached its limit of six, trustees had to amend the village code to add an additional license in that category — specifically for Big Fish — after noting the facility will have no foot traffic from customers.
“The village caps the number of Class B liquor licenses, which are the types of liquor licenses associated with liquor stores,” said Steve McNellis, director of community development.
The other businesses in town that hold Class B liquor licenses are two CVS stores, and Armanetti Wines and Spirits, Walgreens, Miska’s Keystone Liquors and Binny’s, according to village data.
More Top Picks Best Garment Bags For Mens Suits
In a separate approval, trustees granted Weiss an exception to the minimum off-street parking requirements. His business will be allowed to have 10 parking spaces instead of the required 12.
Weiss is leasing the warehouse-style building for office space and other business operations, he said.
Weiss also agreed not to host in-house liquor tastings in the facility, a stipulation of the board’s approval.
“We want to encourage businesses to move forward with their plans and be successful, and here’s an opportunity to take an unused space and use it in a constructive way,” Trustee Ron Cope said.
Natalie Hayes is a freelancer.
This story was updated on Jan. 27, 2017, to correct the liquor license classification of Big Fish.