COUPLE BRINGS WINE BAR EXPERIENCE TO PARK MANOR 75

Park Manor 75 recently opened in the Park Manor community. The wine bar showcases Black-owned wine and spirits. Photo provided by Tennille White.
Park Manor 75 recently opened in the Park Manor community. The wine bar showcases Black-owned wine and spirits. Photo provided by Tennille White.

COUPLE BRINGS WINE BAR EXPERIENCE TO PARK MANOR 75 

By Tia Carol Jones

Charlette Stanton always wanted to have a bar and be an independent bar owner, but she wasn’t quite sure what it might look like. She and her husband Jacare Thomas wanted to build something where they could spend their time together and have a bar that would benefit the neighborhood. They came up with the idea for the Park Manor 75, located at 600 E. 75th St.

“I’m a firm believer that you go to college, you learn certain skill sets and it’s your responsibility to bring it back to your community and do whatever you can in the way that you can,” he said.

Park Manor 75 is Stanton and Thomas’ way of being an asset to their community. The wine bar offers all Black wine and spirits and a menu of flatbread and charcuterie. Stanton said the aim is to bring awareness about these Black-owned wine and spirits brands to people, with the hope that the exposure will help those brands. She said that 100% of the products are from Black creators.

Stanton and Thomas used to patronize businesses along the 75th Street corridor when they were dating, so the location is near and dear to their hearts. Stanton remembers how the area was a Black metropolis with Black businesses lining the street, from Black-owned lounges to Black-owned restaurants.

“As with any neighborhood, we’re on the uptick of trying to rebuild it and bring it back to its glory. It’s still very glorious to us,” Stanton said. She added that the community just felt very Black and very grounded to them.

Thomas and Stanton agreed that with the rich history of Park Manor and how people moved there, it was the perfect community for them to start a business. Thomas said when they walk the streets of Park Manor, they can still feel the pride and culture of the community. He said the fact that other businesses planted their flags there and said it was where they wanted to be was encouraging for them.

“I think more than us choosing this neighborhood, I think this neighborhood really kind of chose us and spoke to us,” Thomas said.

When they chose the location, Thomas’ cousin told him that it was the place where her father used to hang out and sent them pictures of the space with their family there. He said finding out about the family connection to the location, elicited an emotional response from him.

Stanton said they have tasted some of the best Black-owned wines and spirits that are either comparable or better than some of the more popular brands. She said the problem is with the distribution of Black-owned wines and spirits. She said that by having a tasting bar, people can discover what they like and buy it for themselves.

What Stanton and Thomas have created is a very beautiful, cultural space. The music is low-key and suitable for someone to come by themselves or with friends. The goal is for people to be able to spend a couple of hours in the space and relax. Stanton said it is also a space where people can meet and vibe. Thomas said they want people to be physically, emotionally and psychologically comfortable. People can come and sit down and have a third space, while building organic and authentic relationships.

The flatbreads, which they call “Fat Breads,” at Park Manor 75 are named after neighborhoods in the city and are meant to capture the essence of Chicago. Ronald Taylor is the chef for the space. He took the concept that Stanton and Thomas had for the food and elevated it. One is called the Beverly, which is their Saturday Night Special, it has smoked salmon, whipped goat cheese, capers and caviar. The Park Manor has shaved roast beef, crumbled lamb, a tzatziki sauce and mild sauce. There are also collard green dips, tomato jam, Hook’s cheddar and a creamy chimichurri dip.

For more information about Park Manor 75, visit parkmanor75.com.




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