Lost but not forgotten
"While there have been so many tragedies in the last couple of years, this one hit really close to home," says Joe Shanahan, the owner of Metro, about the death of three friends, musicians and co-workers. Michael Dahlquist, John Glick and Doug Meis were killed six months ago in a tragic car accident. "Basically the day that we heard the news about the three musicians that were tragically taken from us and our community there was immediately just a feeling of shock--how could that happen? The whole thing just began to feel so unnatural." Now, six months later, Metro is hosting a benefit in their honor on January 14. "The way that Metro felt and I felt was that this was some way that we wanted to help," Shanahan says. "We know a lot of musicians don't have health insurance or life insurance so these things fall into really gray areas which is why these sorts of homespun benefits take place." The deceased's former employer, Shure Incorporated, teamed up with Metro and local bands to commemorate the influence the three friends had on Chicago. "I think celebrating their music and their lives is part of the healing process," Shanahan says. "It's still in everybody's mind. Our music community is mobilized on many fronts; obviously something as tragic as this doesn't fall through the cracks and obviously that says something about our community--it really says something about our cultural fiber."

Haute Cuisine to Hotdogs
After twelve years, the owner of Evanston's Trio Atelier has announced his decision to close the restaurant at the end of February. Owner Henry Adaniya, who has taken Trio through four incarnations while garnering a reputation as an unparalleled chef talent scout--Rick Tramanto, Gale Gand, Shawn McClain and Grant Achatz ran the kitchen before setting out on their own--says his penchant for change, rather than business factors, was more significant in the difficult decision. "It has been a great run, but it is time," Adaniya says. Adaniya and his chefs have not finalized plans for a proper farewell to Trio and their loyal patrons, but he says there is a special closing dinner or party in the works for February. In addition to continuing his consulting business, Adaniya has dreams to align his personal affection for Chicago hotdogs with the Hawaiian climate by hawking the plumped franks at his own Waikiki Beach stand.

Dog Daze
Dogs will soon be able to enjoy their own personal club, Canine Empire, which will be opening in Chicago later this year on Elston Avenue. The 100,000-square-foot facility will provide services for dog owners that require flexibility in their schedule. Dissatisfied with past services available for canines, dog owner and CEO Ralph Musicant created the Canine Empire. "We provide a wide variety of services to please everybody," says Musicant. He continues, "Each dog will have its own food, toys, bedding, training and therapy." The 24-hour facility will house up to 500 dogs in fifty groups of ten, in which members of the Canine Empire will have total access to the club. Owners will be able to go online with their dog's membership number and check on their pet. "The cameras in the sleeping area are provided so our staff can monitor the dogs safety; the owner can also do the same," says Musicant. "The Canine Empire is not a kennel, it is a club that offers a new lifestyle for pets and their owners." He continues, "This will be a one-stop-shopping experience for dog owners, which is no more expensive than any other place, but will be at the top of the industry." Although the facility plans to open its doors by Labor Day, a discount will be given to people who sign up now. "We provide life-time memberships for the owners; we want to keep our customers forever."

(2006-01-10)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment