A new bar featuring craft beer and wine along with shareable appetizers will debut later this spring in downtown Galesburg.
Fisk Bier & Wine, owned and operated by Galesburg natives Kelly and Sam Fisk, will be located at 240 E. Simmons St., a space most recently occupied by Mexican-style bar and restaurant La Cantinita.
The bar is expected to open in June, following soft launches in late May.
The venture will feature a lineup of “thoughtfully curated” beers, wines, cocktails, and mocktails, complemented by a menu of shareable appetizers including Fisk Fondue, warm baguettes, and a truffle parmesan dip with house-made sourdough crackers.
The Fisks have decades of experience in the hospitality and restaurant business, including Sam’s most recent and ongoing work as head brewer for Cherry Street Brewing Company. They plan to showcase Cherry Street drafts alongside selections from regional breweries like Destihl, Triptych, and Riggs. The wine list is in development.
Sam and Kelly will be working at the bar alongside a small staff that will include their teenage children, Quentin, Beaudry and Kit.
“Who knows if the timing is right?” Kelly said with a laugh. “We will just have to see. Basically, we know that we’re not getting any younger and if we really want to do this thing, we better get to it. It’s also helpful that our kids are now much more independent — and old enough to help.”
Work is underway to transform the Mexican-themed establishment from a space that was “light and airy to a bit more dark and cozy.” The new-look will feature two custom murals that are in the works by Basia Kroll and Hilary Anderson.
Kelly, a designer with Fisk Design Group known for her work at Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee and Malley Farms, is steering the aesthetic vision. Departing from her modern style, she’s crafting a nostalgic, tradition-rich space that echoes Sam’s brewing approach.
“This interior, along with the beer, wine, and menu selection is intended to take you to a time and place where these simple pleasures are celebrated,” she said. “The French say it best: Joie de vivre!.”
The renovation also will include a new mural and seating in the outdoor patio at the rear of the building.
Operating hours of Fisk Bier & Wine will be Tuesday through Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Galesburg aldermen will be asked to approve a Class A liquor license for Fisk Bier & Wine at tonight’s meeting of the Galesburg City Council.
