After six years in business, a familiar face is slated to take over downtown Oak Park’s Beer Shop, a development that means a new liquor license for the new owner.
Jack Dengel, who’s managed the shop at 1026 North Blvd. since shortly after it opened, announced he will soon be taking over ownership of The Beer Shop from Tony Compaglia.
The ownership change also required a change in the store’s D-16 class liquor license, which will be transferred from Beer Shop LLC to JD North Blvd. Holdings LLC.
“I have been running Beer Shop for the last 5 and a half years or so, since shortly after they opened,” Dengel said. “I’ve been cutting my teeth in the bar business there. I love it there, I met my wife there and we’ve got a child on the way. Now, we’re looking to buy the business.”
In reaching an agreement to purchase the business, the sale process included a request to transfer the liquor license, which Dengel brought to the Oak Park liquor control review board at its June 17 meeting.
Board members voted unanimously in support of the change, a matter which is expected to be approved by the Oak Park village board under its consent agenda on June 21.
The shop has been a favorite for many Oak Parkers and those outside the community since it opened. It features 16 lines of revolving beer on tap and sells more than 250 kinds of packaged beers, which can be consumed at the shop or sold for carry-out. The Beer Shop also offers a limited amount of cider, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and coffee.
Earlier this year, the shop unveiled a new outdoor seating space in the parking lot outside its front door.
While the ownership of Beer Shop is changing, Dengel said not much else will appear different to patrons.
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“There will be no change in the operation of the business,” Dengel said. “We’ll be keeping it running just how it has been for the last 6 years. We’re going to retain all the staff. The only addition will be my wife, who is coming back onboard. We managed the business together the first four years and she’ll be coming back full-time. That will be the only change to the staffing.”
Twitter: @steveschering