New Flight 102 ownership

Ryan and Abby Magruder would often talk about what an opportunity it would be to own and operate Flight 102 Wine Bar in Bourbonnais.

Seated at a table, relaxing with a wine glass in front of them, the Bourbonnais couple would share their thoughts with one another about what they could do with the 2,207-square-foot property along Main Street NW.

Frequent visitors to the location, the couple talked about the possibilities.

While never sharing their thoughts to owners, Manteno residents Brian and Kelly St. Aubin, the conversations had eventually made their way to the owners.

And as the St. Aubins began contemplating stepping away from the wine bar they created and opened in 2013, a conversation took place between them and two of their most loyal customers.

“We weren’t looking for anything else to do,” Ryan explained Friday evening while seated in the location he and Abby now own.

“We would always talk and say ‘If this business was ours, what would it look like?’” he said. “But it was never anything serious. We always thought when they were ready they could let us know. We had let others know of our interest. Someone else had told them.”

Brian, 59, and Kelly, 54, had come to the point of backing away. Grandchildren and travel were beginning to dominate their thoughts.

A conversation was held during the summer. Those conversations eventually led to the couple taking ownership on Jan. 10.

“It was something of a shock,” Abby, 45, and a 1997 Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School grad, said of the sit down. “We love it here. As we talked more and more we were telling each other this was something we could have some fun with.”

Ryan was more direct.

“We didn’t want it ending up in the wrong hands. We want to keep the level of quality. We want to add to what they have developed here.”

SOME CHANGES COMING

The new owners have some thoughts in mind. They are looking at changing the wine offerings. They are also looking at changing other types of alcoholic options by adding tequila, bourbon, whiskey, vodka and run liquor tasting selections.

They are also planning some beer offerings.

As a result of these new offerings, Flight 102 Wine Bar’s name is being changed to Flight 102 Whiskey & Wine Bar.

Ryan and Abby readily admit they are novices when it comes to knowledge of wine.

“We love drinking it,” he said. He said they have attended several wine education events during their travels. They know they have plenty more to gain.

“Our level of knowledge is probably pretty basic,” Ryan, 44, a 1999 Bishop McNamara Catholic High School graduate said.

The couple are having conversations with new distributors. They hope to have new offerings available within the next 30-60 days.

Regarding their ownership, Ryan said this not about flipping Flight 102. Rather, he said, this is a long-term commitment.

“This will be fun to run. Maybe we will bring this to other locations,” Ryan said.

When Ryan and Abby note they are busy, it is not an exaggeration. The couple have owned and operated two local SmartWash Laundry Center locations since 2014.

Abby is also the assistant principal at Bradley Central. Ryan is the regional manager for the Dallas, Texas-based mortgage company, Prime Lending.

“We have a lot to learn,” Ryan said. “This is a new challenge. It’s exciting.”

‘A GREAT RIDE’

Kelly called the sale bittersweet.

“It was very difficult. It was just something we felt we needed to do,” Kelly said. “Our emotions were up and down.”

Finding the right ownership was paramount to them. They believe they accomplished their goal.

“I have complete faith in the Magruders. I wouldn’t have sold my dream to just anyone,” she said.

Kelly said it is hard to say goodbye. It is now on to the next her next chapter.

“I knew this is what I needed to do. It’s been a great ride.”

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