Tapville Social, a self-pour craft beer and wine bar, has opened in downtown Naperville, and Little Barn Baby will be debuting its second children’s clothing and gift store just a block away later this month.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, it’s been full steam ahead for both businesses.
Tapville is taking over the 216 S. Washington St. location formerly occupied by Red Arrow Taproom, which was also a self-pour craft beer operation. Joe Tota is the CEO of Tapville Social, the business concept he’s turning into a national franchise, he said.
Including the Naperville location, which is now owned by a franchisee, there are currently 13 Tapville Socials, which are a mix of brick-and-mortar operations, kiosks and mobile taprooms. The concept allows them to open as free-standing businesses as well as in shopping malls, airports, superstores and other locations, Tota said in a news release.
“As the hospitality industry has faced unprecedented challenges this year, our tech-forward concept is uniquely suited to thrive under the health and safety conditions required from our guests,” he said. “Our innovative technology integrated experience and mobile technology further differentiates our brand in the post-COVID world.”
Patrons use “pour cards” that are linked to a pre-paid amount or a credit card to select their own beer, with charges based on the amount they pour. They can use tablets at tables to order food and a smartphone app allows them to accrue loyalty rewards, the release said.
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A menu of wine, local distillery spirits, handmade craft cocktails and other craft beverages is also available.
Tapville Social Naperville’s location includes an outdoor patio and has plans to hold special events like celebrations of new local craft beers, special meals paired with beers, trivia nights and beer/wine pairings.
Jacob Smith is the new executive chef, and the food menu includes “handheld” fare as well as appetizers, full meals and desserts. Among the offerings are a poutine sandwich, cheddar meat loaf, garlic-herb cheese curds in a roasted tomato-butter sauce and cookie dough eggrolls.
Little Barn Baby shop at 123 S. Washington St. is a boutique clothing and gift store for babies and young children, said owner Sylvia Torres, who opened her first store last year in downtown Geneva.
“Our Naperville location is larger than our Geneva location and will allow us to offer a wider selection of our favorite products,” Torres said in a news release. “We are so excited to join the downtown Naperville community and have already been welcomed with open arms.”
The store sells such things as organic baby clothing, wooden toys, nursery decor, blankets, gift items and furniture as well as a selection of mom-related gifts like candles, blankets, bath bombs, bags, mugs, and e-gifts, the release said.
Among the brand names available in sizes newborn to 5T are Vignette, Me & Henry, Quincy Mae, Rylee & Cru and KicKee Pants, the store’s website said.
While it’s advertising it will open in October, no date has been announced.
AVENIDA NAPERVILLE
A grand opening celebration is to be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday for the newly opened senior living facility Avenida Naperville located at 504 Commons Road.
Described on its website as a “curated active adult community” and a “boutique residential club,” the complex has 146 rental units for seniors 62 and older. Amenities include an outdoor pool and spa, outdoor game lawn and yoga lawn, bistro, private dining room, fitness and yoga studios, library, media room and creative arts studio.
“We opened Avenida Naperville to meet the needs of the many adults that, as they get older, desire a smaller, maintenance-free home without having to sacrifice their independence,” Executive Director Michele Clemen said in a news release.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served at the grand opening, and all guests will wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines, the release said.