Ward Service Office
1447 W. Morse Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
Howard Street Fresh Market at 2033 W. Howard
Decision on Howard Street Fresh Market
Our office supports the request to lift the liquor moratorium at 2033 W. Howard based on the robust community feedback we received.
The proposal comes from Gaurav Patel, who originally contacted our office with a proposal to open a liquor store at the location. After reviewing the initial plans, Mr. Patel modified the proposal to instead serve as a grocery store. The store will dedicate 20% of its sales to liquor sales, which will be codified through a Plan of Operations submitted to the city. If the Plan of Operations is violated, Mr. Patel would face suspension of the liquor license.
The grocery store will offer area residents a variety of fresh produce, prepared items, and children's school supplies. Mr. Patel has committed to not selling malt liquor or fortified wine out of the store. Additionally, Mr. Patel will allocate 10% of annual profits towards violence intervention programs for the neighborhood and provide internship opportunities for high school teenagers who live in the community.
I want to thank Mr. Patel for working closely with my office to develop a proposal that reflects the community's values. Mr. Patel has taken the feedback and concerns to create a proposal that will help revitalization efforts along the Howard corridor.
Complete a Survey on 2033 W. Howard
On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, the 49th Ward Office hosted a community meeting for a proposal to open a new market at 2033 W. Howard.
This stretch of Howard (from Ridge to Damen) has an existing liquor moratorium, prohibiting him from selling packaged liquor goods. The owner is requesting that the moratorium be lifted so he can sell packaged alcohol at his grocery store.
Mr. Patel's plans call for 80% of the sales to be dedicated to groceries (fresh produce, fresh meat, toiletries, dry goods, and other everyday market items). He plans on dedicating 20% of his sales to liquor and will not sell fortified wines or specialty brews.
I want to thank those who were able to attend the community meeting and Mr. Patel for his presentation and for being open to answering residents' questions.
The meeting generated a lot of discussion and feedback. Our office is now seeking further input from residents on the proposal. Please take a moment to complete an online survey. Alderwoman Hadden will review feedback within two weeks. From there, she will make a decision on the request, which may include further community engagement in some cases.
Survey link: bit.ly/2033Su
Watch the community meeting: click here
View the presentation: click here
Howard Street Fresh Market Community Meeting October 12
Gaurav Patel is looking to open a grocery store at 2033 W. Howard. Included in his plans are liquor sales. However, this stretch of Howard (from Ridge to Damen) has an existing liquor moratorium, which would prohibit him from selling packaged liquor goods. The owner is requesting that the moratorium be lifted so he can sell packaged alcohol.
Mr. Patel's plans call for 80% of the sales to be dedicated to groceries (fresh produce, fresh meat, toiletries, dry goods, and other everyday market items). He plans on dedicating 20% of his sales to liquor and will not sell fortified wines or specialty brews.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 12, at 6 pm via Zoom. Register to join at bit.ly/2033H. Spanish translation will be available.