Ownership Change Revealed At Shorewood's Mauve Nosh & Libations: 'We're Incredibly Excited For What's Next'

SHOREWOOD, IL — After being a part of Shorewood the past four and a half years, Mauve Nosh & Libations posted a Facebook announcement on Friday letting everyone know "a lot of changes have been happening behind the scenes at Mauve and we want to take a moment to share an update with our community."

According to the announcement, "Nick is now the sole owner of Mauve. The creativity behind our cocktails and food, along with our commitment to genuine hospitality, thoughtful service and unforgettable experiences, will continue to thrive just as they always have."

In September 2021, Joliet Patch was on hand to cover the grand opening for Mauve, which is located in Shorewood along Route 52 near River Road next door to Happy Place Cafe and the Will County Brewing Company. Patch reported that Mauve is "a crafted cocktail, wine and small plate bar owned by Nick Pena and Kala Bieniek Saunders.

"It's exciting," Pena told Joliet Patch's editor at his grand opening gala. "We had a huge turnout of friends and family."

Seating capacity at Mauve Nosh & Libations is about 45 people.

In Friday's Facebook post, Pena wanted everyone to know that "what started as opening a cocktail bar in Shorewood with a friend has now naturally evolved. Out of respect for her privacy and personal journey, Kala has chosen to step away from ownership and pursue a new direction and we truly wish her nothing but the best moving forward."

Pena's message to his Facebook followers included the following, "we're prepared to level up our cocktail program and introduce a refreshed vibe to the bar. What's coming will stay a secret for now, but keep an eye out for a few Easter eggs along the way ... here's to a new chapter, for the better, for all of us."

Back in 2021, Patch reported that the owners were hoping Mauve becomes a popular destination, not just around Shorewood, but for the entire region of Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon and beyond. For years, people in the Joliet area have traveled to Chicago and Naperville for elegant wines and bourbons, Pena said. Now, "they can come here to get great food and cocktails," he said.