New owners take over Tuscan Market in Arlington Heights

Tuscan Market & Wine Shop in downtown Arlington Heights has been sold to new owners, but both its old and new proprietors say the hybrid shop and restaurant's mission and role in the community will stay the same.

Amy Philpott, former owner of the shop at 141 W. Wing St., said she has sold the business to fellow Arlington Heights residents Colin and Lisa Gilbert.

“The sale is the result of a great friendship and desire to keep Tuscan Market & Wine Shop the ‘Cheers' of Arlington Heights,” Philpott said in a written statement, adding that the owners “have worked diligently to ensure that Tuscan will remain as-is.”

When Philpott bought Tuscan Market in 2007 it was more of a grocery store. It also was near the onset of the recession, which led to several tough years for the business.

“It was a couple years of grinding, praying and doing our best to make some new offerings,” she said Monday.

She added a wine bar, delved into craft beer and worked to make Tuscan Market a destination in the suburbs.

While Philpott said she has loved her time in Arlington Heights, she originally is from San Diego and has a move back to the West Coast on her horizon.

Before she goes, Philpott said she wants time to be a part of the community and give back.

“I just want to have more time to get involved and do the things I want to do after working 90 hours a week for so long,” she said. “It's exciting, it's fun, it's bittersweet, but it's still a cool thing.”

Philpott serves as president of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce and will remain on as a manager at Tuscan during the transition.

The Gilberts said they plan to continue holding special events at Tuscan, including book club, wine tastings and more.

“Our goal is to preserve what we consider to be an Arlington Heights institution,” Colin Gilbert said.

Gilbert said he and his wife grew up in Arlington Heights and both graduated from Hersey High School.

Colin Gilbert is president-elect of the Chamber and a partner at the Arlington Heights law firm of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC, where he will continue to practice law. Lisa Gilbert sits on the board of directors for the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and is a past president of the Arlington Heights Junior Women's Club.

The two have never owned a restaurant or a bar, but said they are excited to take on the new endeavor.

“We love the place, we're big fans,” he said.

While most things will stay the same at Tuscan Market, Gilbert said he hopes to bring in a new clientele.

“It's surprising to both of us how many people don't know this place exists. Everyone who knows about it loves it,” he said. “So, our idea is to hopefully spread the word and get more people to come in and experience it.”