Business Spotlight - Konbini & Kanpai
Konbini & Kanpai opened in August 2021 by wife & husband pair Naomi Hattori & Jun-Jun Vichaikul. The couple wanted to bring together what they love about the Japanese Konbini (convenience store) with a curated selection of craft beers, wine and sake in Lakeview. Kanpai (“cheers” in Japanese) is a play on how you can purchase alcohol to go and also drink in the store.
Give us a small backstory of how your business started.
We talked for years about starting our own small business. During the pandemic, we decided it was time to take that leap; we could not turn down the opportunity to build upon an existing wine shop within walking distance of our house. As we brainstormed potential concepts, we had fond memories of our trips to Japan and always enjoyed our experiences at the konbini. We decided to bring that vibe to Chicago with Konbini & Kanpai, creating a space where our family, friends, and neighbors can come over to hang out, have a drink, and head home with a variety of unique beverages and snacks, many of which aren’t easily found elsewhere in Chicago.
What are some of your favorite moments of running your business?
One of our favorite moments is watching a customer's face change to surprise and enjoyment during a sake tasting. Most people remember sake in the form of a sake bomb or hot sake. Premium sakes, on the other hand, have a wide range of complex flavors that can complement any meal or be enjoyed on their own, chilled, warm, or even hot. It’s also great when we get questions from customers who don’t know where to start. We love guiding them to the right flavor profile.
What is one thing that many people may not know about you or your business?
Growing up, Jun-Jun’s father owned a grocery store in Uptown so it’s kind of full circle with the opening of Konbini & Kanpai. Naomi’s parents previously owned a restaurant in Wrigleyville, only a 15 minute walk from our store. Maybe we’ve had the entrepreneurial spirit in our blood all along?
Do you have any hobbies that you do outside of running your business?
When we aren’t working in the store, we love traveling. Some of our favorite trips include Japan and New Zealand. We are guided by our tummies in search of local hidden food gems and great craft cocktails.
What are some businesses you love in Lakeview or Roscoe Village?
There are so many options that it’s hard to pick. Our favorites within walking distance of the store are pizza from Sidestreet Saloon, a philly cheesesteak with boss sauce from Philly’s Best, and sweets from Bittersweet and Jennieve’s Bakery.
What are the best ways people can support your business right now?
Stop in our craft bottle shop to buy some beer or wine for your next BYOB. Mix and match a variety pack for your next get together. Grab a unique gift like a premium bottle of Japanese whiskey, shochu, or awamori. Bring some friends and host a party or game night. Follow us @konbiniandkanpai to check out our next tasting event. Or join the club! We have a monthly wine club and sake club—the first and only in Chicago!