Schaefer's in Skokie has been sold

According to Bill Daley at The Stew, the Schaefer family has found a buyer for the shop, which has been on the block for some time:

Bill Daley at the Chicago Tribune's Stew wrote:Schaefer's, the famed wine store, Chicago-area institution and Skokie landmark, has been sold by the family to a Kenilworth businessman, Bill Graham. Details of Tuesday's sale were not announced.

The Schaefer family had announced several months ago they were putting the business up for sale but hoped the new owner would continue to run it the family-style operation so beloved to generations of North Shore wine and spirits lovers.

Schaefers sell family wine shop

This is great news because when this place was in its heyday, it was a real gem. I hope it returns to that previous form.

=R=

Schaefer's Wines, Foods & Spirits
9965 Gross Point Rd.
Skokie, IL 60076
847 677-9463

Tough business to be in this year...I wish William Graham luck.


How do you make a small pile of money in the wine business?


Start with a large pile....

I suppose it had to happen, but I'm sorry. I grew up in Wilmette, and even before I was drinking age, I loved going to Schaefer's, because it was always festive and friendly -- and it often meant mom and dad were throwing a party. My dad loved and was extremely knowledgeable about good wine, and he was the one who introduced me to it, so I particularly enjoyed going with him, especially once I was old enough to indulge. My dad's grave site is in the cemetery across the street, and I always thought it was the most perfect incidence of feng shui that he was buried facing Schaefer's.

Cynthia wrote:I suppose it had to happen, but I'm sorry. I grew up in Wilmette, and even before I was drinking age, I love going to Schaefer's, because it was always festive and friendly -- and it often meant mom and dad were throwing a having a party. My dad loved and was extremely knowledgeable about good wine, and he was the one who introduced me to it, so I particularly enjoyed going with him, especially once I was old enough to indulge. My dad's grave site is in the cemetery across the street, and I always thought it was the most perfect incident of feng shui that he was buried facing Schaefer's.

My dad is also buried there at Memorial Park (facing Bloomingdale's as he would have wanted, however) but I'm sure he'd love nothing more than for me to drop off a bottle of Santa Margherita Pinto Grigio at his grave. He loved the stuff

But I think, based on what I've heard, that this is good news. From what I understand, none of the Schaefer children wanted to take over the business and it was in real danger of closing down. So, the saddest news about Schaefer's may well be behind us. The fact that it's been purchased and will now live on -- in any form -- seems better to me than losing it entirely. I wish Mr. Graham the very best of luck.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:My dad is also buried there at Memorial Park (facing Bloomingdale's as he would have wanted, however) but I'm sure he'd love nothing more than for me to drop off a bottle of Santa Margherita Pinto Grigio at his grave. He loved the stuff

But I think, based on what I've heard, that this is good news. From what I understand, none of the Schaefer children wanted to take over the business and it was in real danger of closing down. So, the saddest news about Schaefer's may well be behind us. The fact that it's been purchased and will now live on -- in any form -- seems better to me than losing it entirely. I wish Mr. Graham the very best of luck.

=R=

Well, if Mr. Graham is not plowing it under, then that is good news.

And it's nice to know that there's another wine lover at Memorial Park with dad.

Don't worry-- we are going to take good care of it.

Come say "hi" if in the neighborhood (or across the street at Mem).

Viva Schaefer's.

Bill G.

Billy,

Say hi to Allison!
she's a friend of my sister's

best of luck with the store

schaefer's was my parents go-to liquor store when i was growing up as well. i loved going with my dad to shop and remember it fondly. it's been years since i was there, but i'll plan to stop by and shop when i can. good luck bill. i hope you can retain (or bring back) the charm of schaefer's. justjoan

Cynthia wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:My dad is also buried there at Memorial Park (facing Bloomingdale's as he would have wanted, however) but I'm sure he'd love nothing more than for me to drop off a bottle of Santa Margherita Pinto Grigio at his grave. He loved the stuff

But I think, based on what I've heard, that this is good news. From what I understand, none of the Schaefer children wanted to take over the business and it was in real danger of closing down. So, the saddest news about Schaefer's may well be behind us. The fact that it's been purchased and will now live on -- in any form -- seems better to me than losing it entirely. I wish Mr. Graham the very best of luck.

=R=

Well, if Mr. Graham is not plowing it under, then that is good news.

And it's nice to know that there's another wine lover at Memorial Park with dad.

Add my grandfather; he's buried right across the street from the store. We always said he had a private pipeline.

I would love it if they make a go of it.

billyg wrote:Don't worry-- we are going to take good care of it.

Come say "hi" if in the neighborhood (or across the street at Mem).

Viva Schaefer's.

Bill G.

Please bring back the warehouse sale-My husband and I have been going forever and always picked up some great values!

We also met a lot of fun people, and got a lot of advice-all while tasting wine at 10:00 on a Friday morning.

All the best to you!

Winter wine sale returns in February...FYI.

billyg wrote:Winter wine sale returns in February...FYI.

Great news!
By the way, we were in the store 2 weekends ago-the renovations look good. Like the tasting room and the new deli area.

23rd Annual Warehouse Sale
2014 Annual Warehouse Blowout!!
Friday, February 21st 9-7pm & Saturday, February 22nd 9-5pm
http://schaefers.com/events/