Launching a business can be challenging but launching a business amid restrictions to curb coronavirus presented even more challenges for the Wine Thief Bistro & Specialty Wines in downtown Frankfort.
“We never had opened,” said Ed Thelen about where the Wine Thief stood when bars and restaurants were ordered closed to dine-in customers and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order took effect in March.
The shop portion of the Wine Thief was deemed an essential business so enrollment for a monthly wine club membership began in early April and retail sales began April 11.
Here is the dish on this establishment:
On the menu: “It’s really French-inspired shareable plates and food that pairs well with wine,” said Ed Thelen about dishes prepared by lead chef Liam O’Brien and chefs Meghan Sellers, who is also front of house manager, and Jocelyn Mercado of Joliet.
“All three of those young individuals came through the Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts program.”
About the owners: The Wine Thief is owned by a group that includes Ed Thelen and his wife, Valerie Thelen, as the principles.
“Valerie is full time at the shop. I am nearly full time but I am an occupational therapist. I provide care to senior clients in their homes in the Joliet area. The only thing I have done is reduce my hours on that level,” said Ed Thelen, who provides services through Newsome Home Health Care in Joliet.
“My skill set as management and as a therapist in the therapy world gives me very similar abilities to a restaurateur — identifying potential problems, adapting, being creative and organizational skills.”
A mission statement: “A comprehensive food and wine experience” and “being the choice destination for wine in the south suburbs” are the goals at the Wine Thief, according to Ed Thelen of Tinley Park.
How we’ve adapted to coronavirus concerns: The Wine Thief Zoom Tasting Series, which includes a featured guest and selection of wines, takes place virtually on Saturdays. No purchase is necessary.
“We have a great turnout for our Zoom tastings. We’re bringing in our wine partners so those are distributors who are bringing information on wines,” Ed Thelen said.
The Wine Thief offered a Mother’s Day brunch package for pickup and is taking orders for a Father’s Day dinner package for pickup on June 20 or 21. A Feast Fit for Dad, which serves four, includes wine, dry rubbed beef brisket, peach and bourbon baked beans, potato salad, a preparation of watermelon, honey butter biscuits and custom crafted bourbon truffles.
Specialties: In addition to the regular menu, the Wine Thief offers limited lunch and dinner items based on what ingredients are available.
“Right now it’s what’s freshest and what we know we can get so it’s changing every week,” Ed Thelen said.
Dinners generally are offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and have included shepherd’s pie, pot roast and chicken.
We’re different because: Wine club memberships for reds, whites or a mix include two bottles monthly, discounts on purchases and tickets to seasonal tasting events.
How you can help: Signing up for the wine club, buying gift certificates to be used when dine-in customers are allowed and purchasing gift cards.
Prices: Start at $9 for gourmet sandwich and chips, $11 for bruschetta, $13 for hummus and $26 for charcuterie board.
Logistics: The Wine Thief Bistro & Specialty Wines is at 6 Elwood St., Frankfort. Limited contact curbside pickup and limited contact carryout are available. Home delivery within five miles is available for wine. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays. Call 815-277-2954 or go to twtwineclub.com.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Would you like your Southland restaurant to be featured in a dining profile? Contact wweber@tribpub.com with the name and location of your establishment and a person’s contact information. At this time, we are only taking places that offer a carryout and/or delivery option.
