Wine Shop Still Possible for Old TJ's Location

In March, a local doctor proposed turning the old TJ's Bar & Grill location into a wine shop. And while those plans are still possible, the building is currently for lease as the owner focuses on other things in his life.

Owner Srinivas Gaddam told the Village Board he wants to open an upscale wine store called Cork N Carry along Route 30, and shortly after that March meeting he began work on the building.

While Gaddam focuses on other things, the building is currently for lease through the out of Frankfort.

"The ultimate goal would be ideally opening Cork N Carry," realtor Greg Clarke said. "I'm still trying to work on getting someone interested in doing that."

Gaddam spoke to the Village Board in March at Mayor Tim Baldermann's request, just to see if there were any glaring issues that would need to be addressed.

At that meeting, architect Mark Ritter said there are plans for larger windows and more landscaping to give it more of a rustic look. Cork N Carry would primarily be a wine retail shop and not a bar. Gaddam said there would be some tastings, but didn't clarify whether they would be tasting parties or samples upon request.

In the meantime, Clarke said he's talked to one group about possibly using the location as a medical provider, though nothing was set in stone yet.