What's New in Old Town?
November 4th, 2022
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In this Issue:
- New Board Officers and Executive Director
- Member Spotlight--Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
- New Businesses: Dom's Kitchen & Market and Garfield's Beverage
- Upcoming Events and Announcements
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Welcome to Old Town Merchants and Residents Association Executive Director Marcy Huttas |
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The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Marcy Huttas as the new Executive Director of OTMRA.
Marcy is an energetic and outcome-driven leader with extensive experience in operations, project management, community and business development, and marketing. She holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Illinois School of Commerce and Business Administration and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
She most recently led a business process improvement team at a Chicago-based non-profit which promotes home ownership and is a mortgage lender and consulted to the City of Chicago on community development programs. She is passionate about helping organizations to build their capacity, consider their processes, and implement tools to promote efficiency. She prides herself on being a great listener and a consensus builder.
Marcy has managed large manufacturing teams at Motorola and was on the leadership team of a software start-up. She served as Deputy Director for Peace Corps programs in Bulgaria and The Federated States of Micronesia, overseeing host-country staff and volunteers working on programs in organizational and business development, education, and youth development.
In addition, Marcy grew up with a multi-generational retail business on the near West Side of Chicago, so small business development is near and dear to her heart. She has fond memories of frequenting Old Town over the years.
Marcy believes in the power of community involvement and is active in her local community. She serves as a Special Service Area Commissioner for Wicker Park Bucktown SSA #33 and is an officer on her condominium board.
She attended several OTMRA events over the last several months, including the August Summer Social and the 18th District Special Hospitality Meeting, so some of you have already had the chance to meet her.
Marcy started with Old Town Merchants and Residents Association last week. Please join us in welcoming her!
--OTMRA Board President Pam Farley
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Old Town Merchants and Residents Association New Board President
Pam Farley
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Pam Farley was confirmed as Board President of Old Town Merchants and Residents Association in October, after serving as Treasurer. OTMRA looks forward to her skilled leadership.
A message from Pam Farley:
I am so excited to be the new president of this active community organization. My family has been part of Old Town for as long as I can remember. My Dad was baptized and had his funeral mass at St. Michael’s. We are active business owners currently operating Old Town Pizza Pub and Marge’s Still, two neighborhood favorites.
I have spent the last 25 years using my CPA to help manage our family real estate business. We are in the business of preserving history.
I know we have a lot of work ahead of us to make Old Town even better. I think with everyone’s help, ideas, and commitment, we can move Old Town to the next level.
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Introducing OTMRA Treasurer
Kristan Vaughan
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Kristan Vaughan recently joined the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association Board in October and is serving as Treasurer.
Kristan moved to Chicago in 1994 from Oklahoma City to work for Arthur Andersen. After the birth of the first of four sons she, her husband and brother-in-law opened Corcoran’s Grill in Pub in Old Town in June of 2000. The family business, Vaughan Hospitality Group, has grown to five restaurants throughout the city. Vaughan Hospitality Group’s Corporate office is in Old Town. Kristan is the CFO and CIO for the restaurants. She has served on the board and as treasurer for 5 years (2013 to 2018) at the NORTH SIDE YOUTH FOOTBALL organization operating at Welles Park. Her family lives in the city and loves all the city has to offer.
OTMRA looks forward to her new ideas and expertise. Welcome Kristan!
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Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern 90th Anniversary Celebration
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Nestled among the lovely streets of Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood stands an iconic red brick three-flat at the corner of Sedgwick and Eugenie streets. History marks the building’s existence all the way back to 1881. And for the past 90 years, it has been home to Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern. Since 1932, the legendary rib joint has welcomed guests, celebrities and served as major movie locations. It provided space for neighborhood camaraderie through The Great Depression, a world war, prohibition and a pandemic.
Philip and Laureen Tuzi bought Twin Anchors in 1978. Over the decades, their children and current owners, Gina Manrique, Mary Kay Tuzi and Paul Tuzi have continued to develop tight-knit relationships with their staff and customers. They are approaching this milestone anniversary with immense gratitude for their entire restaurant community.
“We couldn’t have done it without them,” Mary Kay said. “Through world wars, natural disasters and social and economic changes, our customers have supported Twin Anchors and helped us keep serving our ribs no matter what.” Gina continued, “We have many long-time staff members. They are like family. We've stuck together through thick and thin to keep this place going and maintain an inviting establishment.”
Twin Anchors is dedicating the entire month of November to celebrating its 90th anniversary with a variety of opportunities for customers to partake in the milestone! Every Tuesday in November will feature a rib dinner priced at $19.32 (a nod to the founding year). There will be drink specials, 90th anniversary merchandise for sale, a giveaway for the 90th guest each day, and more.
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Dom’s Kitchen & Market, a next-generation omni-channel local food emporium providing Chicagoans a place to eat and shop, opened on November 1 at 1233 North Wells Street. Dom’s Old Town is 50% larger than its Lincoln Park location and includes 12,000 new items, many of which are globally inspired, seasonally driven, and locally sourced from Chicago and Midwest entrepreneurs and purveyors.
Dom’s continues to redefine the neighborhood market into a place that inspires culinary discovery, helping people experience meals and foods they are excited to eat for special occasions and every day – with products available in store, online, and on the go.
Dom’s is led by Bob Mariano, who founded Mariano’s after serving as the CEO of Roundy’s and Dominick’s, Jay Owen of Dom Capital Group, a venture investor in food technology and next-generation commerce, and Don Fitzgerald, a former senior executive at Dominick’s, Roundy’s and Mariano’s. Dom’s is on track with plans to expand to 15 stores by 2025.
“I personally take the selection and purchase of our Kitchen and Market offerings very seriously. Dom’s continues to evolve based on our collective team efforts. We all work diligently to excite the hearts, minds, and palettes of our loyal and new customers alike. Our work here is never done and we strive for excellence on a daily basis.” Bob Mariano, Co-CEO.
Dom’s Old Town is open 7-days a week from 6AM - 10PM.
Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse |
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Garfield’s Beverage Warehouse has been providing the Chicagoland area with fine wine, liquors and beer for generations. In addition to five suburban locations, they have 2 locations in Wicker Park and one in West Lakeview. Garfield’s Beverage is now open for business in Old Town at 1437 N Wells.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
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Tuesday Nov 22 6-7 pm at Burton Place Park
Join us in welcoming the holiday season with neighbors and friends! All are invited to the traditional tree lighting in Burton Place Park on Tuesday Nov 22 from 6-7 pm supported by Old Town Special Service Area #48. The festivities will include hot chocolate, treats, music, and a visit by Santa.
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Meet and Greet/Holiday Celebration |
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Tuesday Dec 6th 5-7 pm at Old Town Pub, 1339 N Wells
Please join us for a gathering to meet Marcy Huttas, the new Old Town Merchants and Residents Association Executive Director and to celebrate the holiday season at Old Town Pub at 1339 N Wells on Tuesday Dec 6th from 5-7 pm.
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18th District Hospitality Meeting
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The18th District Hospitality Meeting is held the first Wednesday of each month at 3 pm at Shenanigans, located at 16 W Division. Any establishment that has a late-night liquor license is required to attend.
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CAPS 18th District Beat Meetings for 2023 |
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Vote in the Nov 8th Election!
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Catherine Cook School Open House |
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Located in Old Town at 226 W Schiller Street! From age 3 through 8th Grade, Catherine Cook School provides a strong academic program that encourages students to explore their curiosity, build strong relationships, become compassionate leaders, and have fun! Experience why families love our school community during our Admission Open House event on Sunday, November 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Green City Market Seeks Associate Board Members |
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Green City Market is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit securing the future of food by deepening support for sustainable farmers, educating our community, and expanding access to locally-grown food.
Are you interested in creating a more local, more sustainable, and more accessible food system in Chicago? Then apply to join Green City Market’s Associate Board! Members serve as ambassadors of Green City Market’s mission to secure the future of food by deepening support for sustainable farmers, educating our community about where food comes from and why it matters, and expanding access to locally-grown food.
The GCM Associate Board is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourages folks working in the service or food/beverage industries, People of Color and LGBTQ+ individuals and all interested candidates to apply. Applications will be accepted through November 7th. Learn more and apply here.
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Become a Member of Old Town Merchants and Residents Association |
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The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association has revamped our membership program.
We offer memberships designed for residents, businesses, non-profits, and residential buildings. Benefits include marketing and sponsorship opportunities, positions of engagement, discounts on OTMRA events, and more!
See below for information on each membership or to become a member!
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