A new business offering lessons in acrylic paint pouring — and maybe some liquid courage to pair with the art projects — plans to open in Naperville later this year.
Hawaii Fluid Art, a franchise studio chain with locations across the country, wants to serve beer and wine at its 115 E. Ogden Ave. location but needs city approval for a liquor license.
Franchise owner Saurin Patel asked the Naperville Liquor Commission last week to consider a proposal to increase the number of Class M recreational liquor licenses so the business can offer alcohol during classes.
The commission responded with a unanimous favorable recommendation, according to Shebnem Ozkaptan, city budget and administrative manager who serves as staff liaison to the commission. The request will go to the Naperville City Council Oct. 15 for a final vote.
Per municipal code, the number of Class M licenses is capped at 11. These licenses allow recreational facilities such as golf courses, bowling alleys, indoor sports facilities and art studios to serve alcoholic beverages. Code states that at least 60% of a recreational facility’s annual revenue must be from sources other than the sale of alcoholic liquors.
With current licensees alone, the city has already reached its cap. Businesses that hold a Class M license include Bowlero, Pinot’s Palette, Springbrook Golf Course and Sure Shot Pickleball, among others. Hawaii Fluid Art’s request to the commission was to bump up the city’s Class M cap by one.
The plan is to serve only beer and wine, Patel said.
Depending on city approvals, the hope is to open his Hawaii Fluid Art franchise by Thanksgiving, Patel said Wednesday.
The first Hawaii Fluid Art studio was founded four years ago in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Today, it has more than 60 locations with another 100-plus locations sold and currently in different stages of development.
In Illinois, there are Hawaii Fluid studios operating in Geneva and Tinley Park.
Patel’s franchise is the realization of a longtime aspiration, he said. Having worked his whole life in the restaurant business, he has always wanted to launch a franchise of his own, he said.
A Naperville resident since 2015, Patel said he went through 20 to 30 franchise options before landing on Hawaii Fluid Art.
“It was something that just stood out for me and (felt like) something that our local community can enjoy,” he said. “You know, it’s more of a fun thing than just another typical business.”
Hawaii Fluid Art offers paint pouring classes as well as lessons in how to make resin tumblers.
The Naperville studio will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
