Eric Schlickman, a Wheaton native, is planning a new to-be-named venture in Downtown Wheaton, located at 111 E. Front St.
While a name has yet to be decided, Schlickman tells the Daily Herald, “The concept is not just about dining, but giving visitors something to do afterward.” Customers can expect a restaurant in the front of the building and an outdoor patio on the east side of the building. Schlickman also plans to have event space in the back, where he hopes to host sports-viewing events, and possibly live music, movies, and dancing events, plus Ping-Pong tables, shuffleboard, and arcade games. The concept will replace Carlson Paint Glass in Winter 2023.
While Schlickman’s background is in architecture, he is no stranger to the restaurant industry. The local entrepreneur started by opening a family-style burger joint and tap house at 302 W. Front Street, which has expanded to a second location in Town Square. Schlickman also helped keep Shane’s Deli alive after it announced its closing in 2018. Finally, as an advisor and investor, Schlickman helped open Maypole and Subourbon at 121 W. Front Street. Schlickman doesn’t appear to be slowing down at all. He tells the Daily Herald he has one more project planned for downtown Wheaton, but he isn’t ready to share additional details.
“It’s definitely on the upswing, and I think downtown Wheaton is becoming more and more of a destination for people to go have some great dining experiences,” Allison Orr, executive director of the Downtown Wheaton Association, tells the Daily Herald. “I think we’ll see a big influx of young professionals and people who enjoy going out and dining and having fun, exciting things to do.”
