Chicago’s Favorite Specialty Grocer Expands Bucktown Presence
Spurred by the burgeoning success of its Bucktown store, The Goddess and Grocer, one of Chicago’s most celebrated gourmet grocers, is moving to a new home in late April 2014—same great neighborhood, roomier space. At its new address, 1649 N. Damen, The Goddess and Grocer will occupy two floors – the ground floor new additions include a self serve salad bar, fresh meats section, a large selection of local beers and small-batch wines, and a small dining area; second floor, an airy dining room and outdoor patio, both available for private events.
“Chicagoans have been so amazingly responsive to our local gourmet cuisine—so supportive, in fact, that we need more space! Although I may shed a little tear when shutting down our original space, we are so grateful and happy to be moving to a bigger spot in the same vibrant community where we launched the first Goddess in 2004,” said Debbie Sharpe, CEO/Owner of The Goddess Restaurant Group.
Chicago-based Jonathan Splitt Architects consulted on the project to help infuse sophistication and edginess in the new 4,000 square-foot space that will provide prime viewing of Damen Avenue from the coffee bar on the first floor and seating for 80 upstairs. Complementing the swank new digs, an updated and expanded menu will have foodie mouths watering… and telling their friends! Sweet-seekers will find nirvana in Stuffed French Toast prepared with challah, Nutella, and caramelized banana. Veggie lovers will adore the Tofu Banh Mi with marinated tofu, pickled veggies, cilantro, jalapeno, and aioli on a French baguette; and an aromatic array of freshly prepared flatbreads will tempt every palate.
The Goddess loves Chicago, so, of course, the store will continue to feature “Goods from the Hoods,” an homage to the Windy City, with the finest, freshest, most tastebud-tantalizing delights from some of Chicago’s favorite local businesses – hand-crafted confections from Chocolate Twist; Chef Bill Kim’s Urban Belly Sauces; flavor sauces and rubs by Chef Stephanie Izard; Twisted Spoke’s legendary Bloody Mary mix, Sweet Margy’s Confections; and Mama’s Nuts!, small-batch, handmade confections, to name just a few.
Tapping into Chicago’s robust beer culture, The Goddess and Grocer will offer a bevy of local craft brews, such as Revolution; 3 Floyd’s, Pipeworks, Solemn Oath and Off Color; and Midwest microbrews like Jolly Pumpkin, Dark Horse, Founders, and Bells; plus the best beers from across the country and around the globe.
Passionate supporters of its local community, The Goddess and Grocer gives back by donating unserved food to Zero Percent, a Chicago-based nonprofit that feeds hungry residents in communities across the U.S. The Goddess also regularly partners with local charitable organizations, including Chicago Help Initiative, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Treehouse Humane Society, with even more outreach and community-focused initiatives in the works.
About The Goddess Restaurant Group:
In 1994, Debbie Sharpe, former caterer to rock ‘n roll royalty like The Rolling Stones and Paul and Linda McCartney, founded The Goddess Restaurant Group (GRG). The company operates six businesses under three concepts—Feast restaurant in Bucktown; four Goddess and Grocer restaurants; and The Goddess Rocks!, which currently offers catering services for concert tours and festivals. GRG bestows comfort and nutrition through the freshest products and soul-satisfying meals. An ardent community supporter, the company partners with local artisanal purveyors and philanthropic organizations. GRG’s favorite color is “green” with a deeply-rooted environmental ethic and a corporate priority given to sustainable, eco-friendly choices. With conscientious, thoughtful, and individualized service, GRG is a fiscally responsible, service-directed company, and an all-around good neighbor. For more information, please visit www.goddessandgrocer.com.
