Starbucks looking to serve beer, wine at Algonquin store

Starbucks could be bringing its new Evenings Menu, which includes alcoholic beverages, to an Algonquin location.

Company representatives are seeking a liquor license, which would allow Starbucks to implement the new Starbucks Evenings program at the 790 S. Randall Road store, village officials said Tuesday.

The Evenings Menu offers wine and craft beer in addition to the company's signature coffee and tea selections. It also includes small plate appetizers, such as flatbreads, truffle mac & cheese and more.

"Just as each customer is unique, so are our stores," Starbucks said in a statement. "We consider a broad range of products and experiences for each neighborhood."

Village President John Schmitt, who also serves as the liquor commissioner, said the company could appeal to a wider audience by selling additional products.

"If I went to a Starbucks to meet somebody and sit down, I might have a glass of wine in the evening or a beer later in the day," he said.

But Trustee Jerry Glogowski said he doesn't like the idea of a coffee shop serving alcohol.

"I don't believe a coffee shop, beer and wine go together," he said. "It doesn't fit well to me."

Schmitt said trustees would have plenty of time to address their concerns before Starbucks gets the green light to serve alcohol.

The village board, meeting Tuesday as a committee of the whole, approved of expanding the number of liquor licenses allowed in the village so Starbucks could be eligible for one.

"This is just the first step," Schmitt said.

Starbucks representatives will come before the liquor commission in a few weeks, he said.

If the village board gives the OK, Schmitt added, the next step would be for the village to perform routine checks and make sure the store's managers and employees are trained to serve alcohol.

Starbucks currently offers the Evenings Menu in four Chicago stores, as well as at four suburban locations: Winnetka, Evanston, Burr Ridge and Schaumburg.

"It's certainly a great business," Schmitt said. "To be able to go in there and get a cold beer instead of a hot cup of coffee certainly gives our residents another option."