New Elmhurst Bar, Concert Hall Open

ELMHURST, IL — Two of the three establishments planned for the old Fitz's Spare Keys have opened in the last few days.

At 119 N. York St., Ever Onward bar and Elmhurst Hall, a concert venue, have hosted soft openings and will officially begin March 15.

Kindred restaurant is slated to open by late April. Fitz's Spare Keys closed last June, citing the effects of pandemic shutdowns.

The biggest of the three brands is Elmhurst Hall, which is a concert hall and event space with a bar, stage and video screen. It is set to host live music, weddings, celebrations and community events.

Ever Onward is offering hard seltzers, seasonable craft beers, wine and a "parade of craveable indulgences," according to a news release.

Kindred is described as a seasonal, open-fire restaurant bringing a diversity of flavors from the Midwest.

The establishments are the work of longtime Elmhurst resident Tom Trenta. The building has undergone a renovation, which included the elimination of Fitz's 14-lane bowling alley.

For 15 years, Trenta led branding strategy agencies that teamed up with the top food, beverage and entertainment brands in the country. He said he was using that experience to develop three of his own brands for his hometown.

"I’ve been planning for this opportunity for the past 10 years, and I hope to add some positive momentum to our town’s bright future," Trenta said in the news release.

In an interview last year, Trenta cited all the nearby condo and apartment development as playing into his decision to choose downtown Elmhurst. That's a market within walking distance, he said.

He said his businesses would also appeal to residents in outlying Elmhurst neighborhoods and elsewhere.