People traveling along Oak Park Avenue may have wondered about the lack of a facade to the storefront that long housed the former Oak Park Food Market. The village of Oak Park is wondering too.
While it is a matter of public record that the old grocery store site is being converted into a new restaurant called Bourbon Fire, it is unclear what is going on regarding the building’s absence of a front wall. And the village of Oak Park is looking for an answer.
“As winter approaches, the village would like to know what your plans are to secure the front of the building, adjacent to the public sidewalk, for the upcoming winter months. The village wants to make sure that you have made plans to completely secure the building’s frontage before winter weather arrives,” wrote Cameron Davis, development customer services assistant director, in a letter sent Oct. 18 to Alex Boudros.
Like Oak Park Food Market before it, Bourbon Fire, 133 S. Oak Park Ave., is a venture of the Boudros family with Alex Boudros listed as the restaurant owner in the liquor license application filed with the village of Oak Park. Boudros refused requests for comment.
Bourbon Fire’s liquor license was approved Sept. 20 by the village board. Wednesday Journal obtained a copy of the application and the Oct. 18 letter through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
“Offering a selection of wine, beer, and spirits,” as well as “premium cocktails” to complement its menu of roasted dishes and pizza, Bourbon Fire “will be a great place to have a meal, socialize and enjoy the occasional live music offered,” according to its liquor license application.
While an opening date has not been made public, the liquor license application states the restaurant intends to operate daily within the hours of 11 a.m. and midnight with a staff of six employees. The restaurant plans to be able to accommodate a total of 50 people with 10 tables and bar seating.
