New Bar To Open In Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — A Western Springs couple plan to open a bar in town that would specialize in selling craft beers, spirits, coffee and tea. The Opry would embody the Old West in a historic railroad town, according to its business plan.

Dan and Anne Schovain, who own Daydream Coffee in Western Springs, have received approval for a liquor license to open a bar at 4534 Johnson Ave. The place would serve as a small concert venue for talented bluegrass musicians and songwriters, the plan says. It would include a small seating area at the bar and on the main floor as well as outdoor seating.

In an interview, Dan Schovain said he hoped to open the business in June or July, depending on how the coronavirus situation works out.

"We want this to be a cornerstone of the community, a place where people can see their friends," he said. "This will attract more people into Western Springs and add a little character to the neighborhood."

On Monday, the Western Springs Village Board created a special liquor license for The Opry because it would not serve food.

Trustee James Tyrrell argued against allowing such a license. Even though it would be a "classy and mannerly" establishment, he said, it would still be contrary to the character of the village.

"We have very nice restaurants here. We have excellent food complemented with alcohol, all very high-end establishments," Tyrrell said.

However, Trustee Nicole Chen said The Opry would be a craft beer- and tasting-oriented business, with no televisions. "You won't be sitting back having a bunch of beers watching a game. There will be music. I view it as a new idea," she said.

Trustee Heidi Rudolph agreed. She noted the board recently granted a liquor license to the Theatre of Western Springs and it serves no food, "unless you count a pack of Twizzlers food."

"Our requirements are quite stringent," Rudolph said. "(The Opry) is in the character of the town."

The board voted 5-1 to create the new type of license, with Tyrrell voting no. The trustees then voted 4-2 to grant the license to The Opry. Trustee William Siffermann joined Tyrrell in dissent.

Asked whether The Opry would include TVs, Schovain said he was undecided.

"We're going to have music programs on Fridays and Saturdays," he said. "We'll have local and regional artists who are drawing small and medium-size crowds already."

The Schovains have lived in Western Springs for the last seven years but have been in the area their entire lives.