Old Town residents and Alderman Brian Hopkins are pressing Chicago officials to deny two business‑license applications for a proposed smoke shop at 1201 N. Wells Street. The shop, named Exotic Corner, seeks tobacco and retail‑food licenses to sell perishable and non‑perishable food, tobacco products and vaping products, but it has not yet received any approvals.
Community opposition and survey results
The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, representing nearly 100 members, reported that about 98 percent of its members oppose the project. Alderman Hopkins’ office received 588 responses to its own community survey, with 584 – or 99.3 percent – voting against the applications.
Concerns over permits and signage
Neighbors first noticed large, brightly lit signage, window displays advertising vape and smoke products, and metal security gates appearing on the storefront in late October. They say the changes were made without any communication with the association, which normally reviews significant signage and exterior alterations before they proceed through the alderman’s office and city approval process.
“They never came and said, ‘Hey, this is what we want to do,’” said Pam Farley, board chair of the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association. “None of that happened in this instance.”
Alderman’s formal objection
In a November 2 letter to Tiffany Brooks of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), Hopkins asked the department to deny both the tobacco and retail‑food licenses. He noted that the applicant undertook interior and exterior work without the required permits and installed signs extending over the public way without obtaining the necessary grants of privilege.
“These are basic obligations expected of every Chicago business,” Hopkins wrote. “Disregarding them before receiving a license undermines confidence that this operator will comply with future licensing conditions.”
Stop‑work order and existing tobacco density
The BACP issued a stop‑work order on November 2, and an orange notice is posted on the storefront’s windows, partially obscured by the metal security gates. Hopkins also highlighted that three existing tobacco licenses already operate within 150 feet of the proposed shop, raising concerns about an over‑concentration of such retailers in the area.
Comparison to nearby dispensary
Farley pointed out that a proposed dispensary across the street received a more welcoming response after its developers shared renderings and worked through the city approval process. “They showed renderings of how they want the outside to look and everything. So, you know, we totally fit in with it. It’s fine,” she said.
In contrast, Exotic Corner proceeded with signage and gates without prior community input, which Farley described as “more egregious than most.” She emphasized that the association works to preserve Old Town’s historic character, including traditional archway signage and older storefronts, and expects new businesses to fit into the surrounding streetscape.
Current status
The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection continues to review the applications. No decision has been announced as of Wednesday afternoon.
Background on the applicant
According to state business‑incorporation records, Asad Yawari filed to establish Exotic Corner Inc. in May 2026, with Yakub Chaus of suburban Skokie listed as the corporation’s registered agent. Block Club Chicago was unable to reach Chaus for comment.
What residents can expect
Local stakeholders say they will continue to monitor the situation and push for a thorough review of the applicant’s permitting and public‑way compliance. The outcome will affect not only the character of Wells Street but also the broader conversation about how new retailers should engage with historic neighborhoods.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
