In 2019, Charlette Stanton and Jacare Thomas sold everything and purchased a property at 600 E 75th Street in Chicago. Thus, a dream long ago realized, to create community and bring something different to the neighborhood, had come to fruition. Park Manor 75, a new wine bar, and one of the first in the area, is coming to the South Side this August.
Charlette and Jacare set forth with the hope to diversify the white-dominated wine industry and as such, intends to provide a wine list that emphasizes Black vintners. This isn’t their first foray into creation, either. Both Stanton and Thomas are known for creating and coordinating local community groups, like the CeeBlaq Social Club, and the Noir Urban Arts Collective, which the couple founded in in 2003.
Now, they’re set to expand their leadership skills to the service industry. With an already dedicated following in the community, it will come as no surprise when this wine-focused bar becomes a rousing success.
There’s playful catch to the bar setup, with space to seat around 60 customers. You can choose to sit in either The Park or The Manor. Both offer different experiences and moods depending on your seating choice. The Park is a front facing, airy room made for gathering and decked out in comfortable velvet couches and foliage galore. Then, there’s The Manor, a reimagined garage space made to feel like a speakeasy (AKA an ode to Chicago’s history). The Manor will be in the back and acts as a secret room, with plans for it to be decorated with antique furniture and rich tapestry, according to their website.
With a changing seasonal list of four wines from Black producers (like McBride Sisters, Love Cork Screw, and Chicago-based Black Feather Winery) at the forefront of the menu. For any novices concerned about getting into the world of wine, worry not, Park Manor 75 will host plenty of wine tastings as well as educational events with featured wine makers.
Wine isn’t all they serve, either. All cocktails with spirits will also come from Black-owned distilleries. There are also community events, like Morning Brew, a community space for elderly to enjoy coffee and conversation. Or, a bi-weekly Salons, which historically were a space for community members to gather and engage in meaningful conversation.
Park Manor 75 will also have a menu complete with charcuterie boards, along with delicious small dishes from renowned chef, Ronald Taylor. Everything is all set for a late summer opening, with contractors, construction, and development plans squared away.
PS: Park Manor 75 is not the only wine bar coming to the South Side. Eric Williams, owner of the Silver Room has partnered with urban planner Cecilia Cuff, just opened a wine bar and restaurant in Bronzeville– aptly called Bronzeville Winery. The space opened yesterday, August 20th.
Address: Park Manor 75, 600 E. 75th Street. Chicago, IL 60619
[Featured photo from Google Maps]