Zoe Schor and Whitney LaMora Aim to Open a New Concept Called Villanelle

According to a recent article from Block Club Chicago , a new concept called Villanelle will open in the former Split-Rail space at 2500 W Chicago Ave.

A representative of Villanelle was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Chicago’s request.

According to the article, Zoe Schor and Whitney LaMora who are behind the restaurant Split-Rail and art gallery The Martin, will be opening the new venture.

“The owners behind a recently closed Ukrainian Village restaurant and art gallery are planning to convert it into a queer-focused event venue for weddings, parties, and more — if they can raise enough money this month.”

“Villanelle’s future is contingent on the couple fulfilling their Kickstarter campaign , launched last week. The campaign has raised about 10 percent of a $75,000 goal to pay for renovations and cover the first few months of expenses. Schor said that Kickstarter works on an all-or-nothing model, so the project will not move forward if the couple doesn’t meet that number by the end of February.”

“Our hope is to create a well-rounded, queer-focused, safe space, where whether it’s people getting married or people celebrating different life events, you don’t risk having somebody there who might cast judgment on you or wonder why two women are getting married or anything like that,” Schor said in the Block Club Chicago article.

“As she and LaMora shift gears to hopefully open Villanelle, Schor said Split-Rail will still exist as the venue’s caterer, acting as a sort of “on-demand” restaurant. That means the biscuits and fried chicken Schor has become known for will be available for events. She’s also offering an “elevated” French bistro menu in line with Villanelle’s brasserie-inspired decor.”

“Dorothy, the basement bar, is also available for private events, on top of regular community gatherings like its Silent Book Club. Dorothy’s popularity was a big reason why Schor and LaMora wanted to launch Villanelle, Schor said. They hope to continue creating spaces for the LGBTQ+ community — although nobody will be turned away from hosting an event at their new venue, they said.”

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