Shorewood salon thrives with liquor license, Plainfield salon looks to emulate success

SHOREWOOD – About 10 women gathered Saturday in a nail salon for a bachelorette party at Star Nails.

But along with a couple gifts and blessings for the to-be bride, Braidwood resident Kristina Picco, her bridal party brought along some liquid entertainment.

Each lady held a glass of wine or mixed spirit as they rested their feet in a bath, ready to be pampered while catching up.

“It’s fun to be able to relax and have a drink,” said Nichole Bethard, a member of the party who had her bachelorette party at the same salon.

That type of service is what Plainfield-based Evan Michaels Nails and Spa owner Colleen Almodovar wants to offer. She worked with Plainfield village officials on a liquor code amendment, which was passed Sept. 21, a new Class "W" liquor license allowing the sale of wine or beer at salons.

“A lot of women come in to get a pedicure to relax,” Almodovar said. “And some of them want to get a glass of wine along with that.”

Plainfield adopted its liquor license for salons off Shorewood’s model.

Salon saloon

The only places in Will County that allows patrons to bring their own liquor or buy from the salon are two salons in Shorewood, Le Petite Nails and Star Nails.

Star Nails, at 857 Center Court, was the first salon to legally serve alcohol by obtaining a liquor license. Star Nails owners Kaitlyn Le and husband Tommy Tran said the additional service is worth it for their customers.

“We’re either breaking even or losing money,” Le said. “But as long as it keeps [the customers] happy.”

Shorewood’s Class “J” liquor license only allows the sale of beer or wine for consuming in the salon. The beverages can only be served as a complement to the salon’s regular services.

No person is allowed more than three drinks within 24 hours. The liquor class includes establishments that “offers services, such as cosmetic advice and application, pedicures, manicures and related services.” But it doesn’t include salons that provide full-body massages or services in private rooms.

The annual fee for the liquor license class is $1,125. That, along with the cost of the state liquor license and insurance, makes the service unappealing from a financial standpoint.

“In a day, sometimes I sell $10,” Tran said. “Every month, probably $600 to $700 in sales.”

Le said most of her clientele who use the liquor service are returning customers. But she said it’s another incentive for customers to visit.

Plainfield salons

That’s what Almodovar said she was thinking when she told Plainfield village officials that her salon, at 14200 Route 30, may be losing business to Shorewood salons.

“I have had other bridal parties calling around trying to find a place they can turn into a party,” Almodovar said. “One bridal party – she is a loyal customer – asked if they can bring some mimosas with them. I said I can’t allow it.”

The Plainfield liquor license resembles Shorewood’s. And village officials have said they used Shorewood’s regulations as a guide.

Under Plainfield’s liquor license Class “W,” customers can only consume two glasses of wine or beer per patron within 24 hours. Serving size for wine is no more than 6 ounces, double for beer. The annual fee for the license is $1,500.

She said some salons in Plainfield had been knowingly or unknowingly serving liquor to customers illegally, a practice that Plainfield Mayor Michael Collins said has been addressed to the salon owners.

Almodovar said she hopes other salons go through the permit process if they want to offer liquor services.

Currently, Almodovar is waiting on the police department to call back and get a background check and fingerprints for the liquor license in Plainfield.

“All the employees need to go through [server] training,” she said. “We have to make sure insurance is in place. We have to go in front of the Village Board again and get it approved. Then we have to get the state license.”

Almodovar’s goal is to start serving alcohol by the end of this year.

Liquor and nails experience

Although Kristina Picco had lost her voice before Saturday, her sister, Jenny Picco, said the bride finally gave the go-ahead on the bachelorette party for her wedding.

“I’ve been coming [to Star Nails] for years,” Jenny Picco said. “They allow us to bring our own drinks too.”

According to a menu from the salon, beers such as Bud Light, Corona and Angry Orchard range from $3 to $4 a serving. Wine is $4 a serving, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Pinot Grigio.

“Many times parties will bring their own,” Le said. “But we also serve them drinks too.”

Almodovar hopes that a similar interest keeps new and existing clients returning for a good time.

“I made it clear,” Almodovar said about when she was pushing the village for a new liquor class. “I don’t want to be a bartender. I just want to have this for my customers.”