Billy Corgan Closing Madame Zuzu's Tea House In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Billy Corgan announced his Highland Park tea shop is closing later this month, saying Madam Zuzu's Tea House and Art Studio is being forced out for "various reasons which involve tenancy." The shuttering of the shop's 582 Roger Williams Ave. location, set for March 14, has nothing to do with the strength of the business, Corgan said in a Thursday social media post.

Corgan, 50, is best known as the frontman of the band Smashing Pumpkins, but he has also been engaged in various non-musical ventures, including his purchase of the National Wrestling Association last year.

Born in Elk Grove Village, he owns a $6.8 million Highland Park home on Sheridan Road a short distance from Madame Zuzu's.

Explaining why he opened up the hip vintage-styled shop more than five years ago, the self-described "tea guy" said Highland Park is a beautiful place to live but lacked culture.

"We want to open it because there's nothing really to do up here," Corgan told Eater Chicago in 2011. He bemoaned the town's "lack of culture for someone in their 30s or 40s. I think for such a nice place, you need places to go and meet people and exchange ideas."

The tea house was managed by Ravinia Wine Shop owner Sharon Mackin-Norberg and first opened its doors in the former Ravinia Post Office building in September 2012, according to the Ravinia Neighbors Association.

Over the years, Zuzu's added art, sandwiches, pastries and an event space. For now, Corgan said, the focus shifts to the shop's website and online store.

In his announcement of the closure, Corgan thanked Zuzu's patrons and said he hopes to open up a new location for the teahouse in Highland Park.

"Unfortunately, Highland Park doesn't have a lot of ideal spots at this time, which is part of the holdup," he said.

Corgan promised free tea and special last-day sales on Sunday, March 18.

"You have my gratitude for your support," he wrote."And come party with us on the 18th as we say goodbye."

A post shared by Madame ZuZus Teashop (@madamezuzus) on Dec 9, 2017 at 9:29am PST

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