Intelligentsia to Open Inside Plum Market in Chicago’s Old Town

Architect’s Rendering of Plum Market in Chicago’s Old Town.

The grocery chain Plum Market has announced that Intelligentsia will be opening an independently operated 1,200-square-foot coffee bar inside a new Chicago market this summer. The grand opening is scheduled for June 13 at Plum’s first Chicago store, at 1233 North Wells Street in Old Town.

Plum — a high-end grocery concept that focuses on organic, local and natural products — currently has three locations in Michigan. The grocery chain grew out of the family-owned, six-location Merchant of Vino marketplace, which was acquired by Whole Foods in 1998. Brothers Matt and Marc Jonna, formerly of Merchant of Vino, left Whole Foods to run the Plum concept in 2007.

“Partnering with Plum Market in the booming Old Town neighborhood was a no-brainer for us,” Intelligentsia President Rob Buono said in a statement announcing the Plum partnership. “We’re thrilled to work alongside a company with premium offerings that’s committed to supporting local businesses.”

Here’s more from Plum on the new Intelligentsia location, one of five Intelligentsia retail spots expected to open this year, including three in Chicago:

The new coffee shop’s contemporary design plays host to communal seating, a glass coffee bar and tall ceilings allowing for plenty of natural light.  Architecture firm Gensler worked with the team at Intelligentsia to create a comfortable open space where people can enjoy remarkable coffee with minimal fuss.  A custom colored La Marzocco Strada EP espresso machine takes center stage on the glass bar, with a small area for bar service.  Intelligentsia’s renowned portfolio of single origin coffees will be available by batch brew for those wanting great coffee in a hurry, but also by the cup, for those who enjoy the ritual of a more involved brew method.