Local Vendors Set to Jazz Up Wine & Cheese by TCC's Anniversary Event

PLAINFIELD, IL — A celebration of small businesses will liven up downtown Plainfield on Saturday, September 9, when local business owners Anna Trost and Beth McNichol are hosting a 13th Anniversary Event at Wine & Cheese by TCC. Located at 24104 W. Lockport Street in downtown Plainfield, the special event allows the co-owners to share their passion for good wine and good food, while showcasing local vendors.

Guests will have an opportunity to sample a new, updated selection of wines, craft beers, spirits, and specialty food. The event is open to guests with pre-paid registration at noon, and open to the public from 1:00-5:00 p.m. A full tasting will be featured, and the $25 cost will include a commemorative tasting glass.

"We're excited to offer guests a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these local providers of our best products," said Anna Trost, who runs the day-to-day operations at Wine & Cheese by TCC. “From the wines we offer, the spirits in our craft cocktails, and the organic ingredients in our specialty foods, the range and resources of local experts under one roof is very exciting," she added.

Ahead of the event, Trost will switch out 95% of their wine inventory, so guests can anticipate new options. The event also features the owners’ once a year discounting, offering a tiered system of 5-20% discounts. In addition to the many wine producers and distributors at the tasting, featured local and regional vendors will include: Tailwinds Distillery, Ten Drops Coffee, Peter Rubi Produce, and a jazz ensemble featuring Kate Foley, all of Plainfield; Fluttery Gourmet Popcorn in Morris; Church Street Brewing (Itasca), Windmill Ginger Brew (Geneva) and Old Town Abbey Brewing (Chicago), Baderbrau Brewery, among others.

Small Business Success Story

Over the past 13 years, Trost and McNichol, two former bankers who opened the business and dubbed themselves “Two Clueless Chicks” have worked hard to offer customers a unique experience. The original shop added a Cafe in 2009. In the past two years, the fine wine and artisan cheese shop expanded to include craft beers, spirits and coffee. The popular Cafe serves Weekend Brunch, offers extended hours for Sunday dinner, and features lunch, cheese and charcuterie plates, dinner and dessert daily. Over the past year, the women have updated interior seating, upgraded seasonal menus, increased the number and range of spirits and cocktails offered, added merchandise for sale, and kept their inventory refreshed.

Partnering with the Village of Plainfield, being active Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce members, Heritage Corridor CVB members, and supporting local businesses are key to drawing more customers.The growth of the business has been made easier with the vibrant downtown economic development and ongoing improvements downtown, according to Trost. Their increased customer base represents Plainfield residents, as well as a growing base from Naperville, Oswego, Yorkville, Morris, Joliet and outlying areas.

Seasonal Events Celebrate Community Collaboration

The next featured event hosted by Wine & Cheese by TCC will be its Harvest Dinner, on Sunday, October 22, featuring a 6-course meal with specially-selected wine pairings. The business will be participating in a variety of events over the coming months, including: Plainfield Progressive Dinner on Tuesday, September 19 (one of 6 participating restaurants); PHS Homecoming Weekend Burger Cook-Off on Saturday, October 7 (provider of cheeses); the downtown Spooktacular on Saturday, October 28; and Small Business Saturday, on November 25.

Tickets for the Wine & Cheese by TCC 13th Anniversary Event are $25 and can be purchased in-store or over the phone. More information on all upcoming events is available at www.wcbytcc.com, by calling 815/436-3499, following the shop on Facebook, or by stopping into the shop at 24104 W. Lockport Street in Plainfield.