Flour + Wine Feeds Off Community, Gives Back in Support

By Mary Ann Lopez, Glen Ellyn Patch

The owners at flour + wine are on a mission. A mission to break the 433 curse and so far business is right on track.

The restaurant open at 433 N. Main St. in downtown Glen Ellyn since July 2012 has been so well received in the Glen Ellyn community; business is doing better than anticipated. As the community supports flour + wine, the restaurant has found ways to also give back in fresh food and community support.

With fresh food served daily and a menu that changes seasonally, the restaurant, which draws diners from around the area, is also broadening its reach, with diners as far as the city showing interest, according to the owners.

The experience the owners have in the restaurant industry translates to a positive experience for diners, said Tiffany Berry, who does community relations for the restaurant.

“You feel like you’re in his [Michael Vai’s] living room. And, Chef Bryan [Goewey] has all of the dynamic food experience,” she said.

Vai, Anthony Vai and Goewey are co-owners in the restaurant. 

The attention to detail from fresh-squeezed fruit in cocktails to the “Chef’s Playground” of items Goewey is working with in his kitchen, provide diners with a more sophisticated culinary experience. The restaurant is more than a pizza place, Berry said.

In addition, the restaurant is offering gluten free options for those who either are gluten intolerant or who choose to avoid eating gluten.

Just as the community has helped support the restaurant, the owners of flour + wine are looking for ways to give back to the community.

flour + wine and a newcomer to Glen Ellyn business, School of Rock, are joining forces in support of the District 41 Music Education Foundation’s annual fundraiser, according to flour + wine.

The Music Education Foundation is a nonprofit that funds programs to support and enrich music in the lives of children. Its aim is to ensure every child has the opportunity to express his or her musical talent. It helps children and educators achieve this with grants for summer music camps, scholarships, instrument donations to classrooms and more, according to flour + wine.

When Michael Vai’s brother Steve Vai heard about the upcoming fundraiser, he wanted to get involved in some way. Vai is a Grammy award-winning guitarist who has sold more than 10 million albums. He has donated an autographed Ibanez guitar to be raffled off in support of the local fundraiser. The tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the restaurant. The winner will be chosen Feb. 15.

“flour + wine’s goal is ambitious,” co-owner Michael Vai said. “We hope to raise a significant amount of money from the raffle of Steve’s guitar. We’re hoping MEF can purchase lots of new instruments for the kids and fill lots of wish lists. Glen Ellyn is a strong community; with Steve’s generosity and so many supportive hands, we’ll all make this a success.”

Learn more about the raffle  Purchase tickets in support of the Music Education Foundation at flour + wine, 433 N. Main Street in Glen Ellyn, IL. Tickets are $5 each.

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