The changing face of Antioch

By Corrinne Hess
chess@dailyherald.com
Posted Tuesday, May 22, 2007

With the Chain O’ Lakes in its backyard and a collection of shops lining quaint downtown streets, Antioch never had to look very far for tourist offerings.

Village officials are confident this month’s opening of an upscale, smoke-free martini and wine bar will add another layer to its appeal.

“What we are starting to see is more professional-quality business people downtown,” said Claude LeMere, director of community services. “These are people interested in running a business, not running a business as a hobby.”

LeMere said the difference is, “true” business owners are willing to work in the evenings and on the weekends, when people shop.

“In the United States, 70 percent of retail business is done after 6 p.m. and on weekends,” LeMere said. “Here, at best, 25 percent of stores are open during those hours.

“My experience is when people come to shop and the shops are closed, they don’t just get angry with the store; they get angry with the whole city.”

One of the village’s model business owners, at least according to LeMere, is Nicole and James Hayes.

Fourteen months after opening Rustique, a home decor store on Lake Street, the Hayes’ are trying their hand at the bar business.

So far, it seems they have the same knack for drinks as they do for interior decorating.

Rugan’s, named after a German vacation spot, has hosted seven parties since opening May 1, and has had steady crowds nightly.

“I think this place is unique and has a city feel to it,” said Nicole Hayes, 28. “We’ve had a good start so far. I hope it continues.”

Rugan’s, 921 Toft Ave., offers 100 types of wine, 30 different beers, dozens of martinis all priced under $8, and tapas prepared by a local chef.

James Hayes, 30, said the bar is different from other Antioch taverns because it is non-smoking, open only until midnight on weekends and aimed at the 25- to 35-year-old demographic.

“This isn’t just going out to a bar,” Hayes said. “We want people to come here for the experience.”

Barbara Porch, executive director of the Antioch chamber of commerce, said the goal of downtown is to attract people of all ages.

Porch said the Hayes’ businesses do a nice job of addressing a younger crowd.

“(Rugan’s) is an upscale establishment that has generated a lot of interest in the community,” she said. “I’m just thrilled they wanted to open it in Antioch. It shows a lot of confidence in downtown Antioch.”

Nicole Hayes said she is confident in the village’s commitment to evolving the downtown and has seen changes already.

“Now I would love to see an upscale women’s boutique down here,” Nicole Hayes said.

So would LeMere, who said the village is more than ready for a women’s clothing store.

“When we see such establishments as Rustique and Rugan’s taking off, you can’t help but want more like it,” LeMere said. “Infini-tea is another facet of what’s going on downtown, not to mention all of the great restaurants. It is a changing atmosphere down here and that will continue.”

www.rugans.com