- Credibility:
WICKER PARK — If everything goes as planned, the former Taus Authentic which has sat empty since the fine dining restaurant shuttered last September will rise again this fall as “Machine: engineered dining and drink.”
Earlier this month, Brian Galati and Chireal Jordan, co-owners of Machine Hospitality Group, applied for the necessary permits to bring the new bar and restaurant concept to 1846 W. Division St.
Through a spokewoman on Monday, Galati and Jordan said Machine plans to add more than 50 new part- and full-time jobs to the neighborhood and utilize what they describe as an “amazing sidewalk patio” that seats up to 150 people.
Wicker Park was on the duo’s shortlist.
“Brian and Jordan have long wanted to have a presence in Wicker Park — they admire the bustling atmosphere, which still has a great neighborhood feel. They are hoping to bring something very unique to the area,” the spokeswoman said.
After permits for the new 6,200 square-foot venture went up earlier this month, some locals wondered if space would be a beercade similar to Headquarters Beercade. Machine Hospitality Group also owns River North’s Headquarters Beercade.
Eater reported last week that Machine would be arriving — and that it would not be a beercade.
According to a news release, Galati and Jordan’s Machine Hospitality Group’s namesake restaurant “will include a thoughtfully curated food menu, a truly unique cocktail program, and a coffee experience that will take caffeinating to a new level.”
When asked if the sidewalk patio plans to be open year-round, given that the city now allows patios to stay open beyond just the warmer months, the spokeswoman said, “Machine has some exciting plans for their enormous patio, but none of them are finalized just yet.”
More details will be released as Machine gets closer to opening. There is no website yet but check out Machine’s Facebook page for updates.
