Downtown Evanston is about to get a fresh hit of aperitivo culture. Lizzano Focacceria, a young Chicago panini-and-spritz concept, is moving into the former Happy Lemon space at Chicago Avenue and Davis Street and is aiming for an early April opening. The spot will bring a fast-casual Italian option to a block that is already crowded with delis, cafes and tapas joints.
According to What Now Chicago, Lizzano is taking over 1607 Chicago Ave., with owner Gabriel Fleury saying he is targeting "sometime in early April" for the launch and will share more specifics as opening day gets closer. The move will mark Lizzano’s third Chicago-area location.
From River North To Evanston
Lizzano first debuted in early 2025 in River North at 636 N. Wells St., carving out a niche with focaccia-style sandwiches and spritz cocktails. Block Club Chicago spotlighted the shop’s tight, Italy-inspired menu and compact design when it opened. The River North flagship has doubled as a test kitchen of sorts, refining a streamlined sandwich lineup and an aperitivo-focused happy hour that defines the brand.
Menu And Existing Outposts
The company also lists a Loop outpost on North Michigan Avenue, alongside the River North original. On its menu, featured on Lizzano's site, the concept leans into paninis, taglieri boards and spritzes. The site highlights vegetarian options such as the Napoli, made with mozzarella, tomato, basil and olive oil, as well as meat-forward sandwiches. Happy hour and regular operating hours are posted on the brand’s pages for each Chicago location.
Space And Neighborhood
The Evanston storefront most recently housed Happy Lemon, which the Evanston RoundTable reported had put the location on a temporary break last year, documenting the closure and the sign that went up on the door. Downtown Evanston business listings show neighbors such as Mensch's Deli, Tapas Barcelona and Picnic just a few doors away, so Lizzano is stepping into a compact, highly walkable dining corridor where foot traffic is already strong.
What The Owner Says About Growth
Fleury, who also founded the açaí chain Deep Purpl, told What Now Chicago he intends to grow both Deep Purpl and Lizzano across the Chicago area in the coming years. The Evanston opening follows quick expansion for his açaí concept and two Lizzano launches in the city. Fleury said hiring plans and final menu details for Evanston will be locked in as the April opening nears. For now, residents can expect the same focaccia sandwiches and aperitivo-style drinks that have helped define Lizzano’s downtown presence.
