The owner of a business based in Chicago that markets a “Chicago-style old fashioned cocktail mix” is hoping to expand nationwide.
Phillip Lee, owner of Good Old Fashioned Chicago (GOFC), created his product because he likes old fashioneds, a type of cocktail made with sugar, bitters, water and whiskey. Lee provides an old fashioned cocktail mix so that people can make them at home.
“After tasting many different variations of an old fashioned at different bars and restaurants throughout the city, I was interested in creating an easy to mix and consistently delicious old fashioned anyone could make at home,” Lee told the Illinois Business Daily.
He used his own money to start the business with supplies, the trademark and the first batch made in bulk. The product is sold online at goodoldfashionedchicago.com but Lee plans retail opportunities.
“I’m looking into more wholesale options to get the product nationwide, so everyone can have a ‘taste of Chicago’ at home,” Lee said.
A Chicago native, Lee tried several drinks while he served in the Air Force, according to his website.
“Since being back home I found that I prefer a nice chill drink if I'm out ‘networking’ on the Chicago bar scene, or when I'm at home sitting on the patio by the BBQ grill in my favorite chair,” Lee said on his website. “So I took a year-long journey and sought out the ingredients for what makes a ‘good’ old fashioned.”
Lee is passionate about buying local and purchases many of his business’ supplies and materials from Chicago businesses, he told the Illinois Business Daily. The trademark on the product label is the Chicago skyline to resemble that significance. “I wanted as many aspects of the cocktail syrup to be based in Chicago,” Lee said. “... The Chicago skyline is iconic, so having a silhouette of it sitting inside the glass of an Old Fashioned cocktail to commemorate celebrating Chicago with every sip seemed perfect!”
Possible new products include a sugar-free option and travel-size bottles. “As the company continues to grow, I’m seeing there is no limit! The next step for GOFC is at a local shop near you,” Lee said on Facebook.