Hoffmann plans string of moves in North Shore, including 5 property acquisitions and 3 Oberweis locations

Winnetka’s largest commercial property owner is making sure it stays that way — at least for a while.

Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate, a subsidiary of Hoffman Family of Companies, announced on Thursday plans to purchase five North Shore properties, with one acquisition, 64 Green Bay Road in Winnetka, already complete.

Details of the other four purchases are unclear as negotiations are ongoing, said David Hoffmann, a Winnetka resident and founder and chairman of Hoffmann Family of Companies; however, he said, the string of acquisitions are part of a company strategy

“We looked at our portfolio …. and said where do we really want to emphasize investments,” Hoffmann told The Record, adding that the North Shore stuck out as an area with stable and positive outcomes.

Hoffmann also pointed out the area’s surging dining and retail scenes within the past five to 10 years.

“So we went looking,” he said.

Hoffman Commercial Real Estate’s first announced purchase, 64 Green Bay Road, is occupied by restaurant Aboyer Brasserie, which David Hoffmann said added to the value of the property. Jessica Carruth, Hoffmann’s director of communications, told The Record that nothing is expected to change with the high-end restaurant.

Aboyer is a dining concept from celebrated chef Michael Lachowicz, whose projects have taken several forms at 64 Green Bay Road since Restaurant Michael opened there in 2005. In 2016, George Trois opened within the same space as Restaurant Michael. Three years later, Restaurant Michael closed, and the building became home to three restaurants: George Trois, Aboyer and Silencieux.

George Trois stopped regular service earlier this year, leaving more space for Aboyer.

“It’s an iconic property, No. 1,” David Hoffmann said. “There’s a high-end restaurant in there. We acquire anything that’s close (to other investments) that can become our standard. … Anytime anything comes up for sale, that’s part of our overall plan, to accumulate.”

Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate is the most prominent commercial property owner in Winnetka. There are more than 30 properties in Hoffmann’s North Shore Holdings portfolio with at least 25 in Winnetka, including 800 Elm St. (Lakeside Foods), 540 Lincoln Ave. (Honeycomb, offices), 88 Green Bay Road (7-Eleven) and 1070 Gage St. (Serena & Lily).

Hoffmann’s North Shore acquisitions began to pick up about 10 years ago; however, some properties — such as the 7-11 at 88 Green Bay Road — have been under Hoffmann’s umbrella for close to 20 years, David Hoffmann said. He added that the company has never sold a piece of North Shore property.

In a press release Greg Hoffmann, CEO of the commercial real estate business and David’s son, said:

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Winnetka with this strategic acquisition. Our goal is to continue to invest in this vibrant community, offering premier commercial spaces that support local businesses and drive economic growth. This expansion underscores our commitment to Chicago’s North Shore and in its continued prosperity.”

David Hoffmann launched his first company in 1989 and grew a family enterprise that has since acquired more than 200 companies that employ 9,000 individuals worldwide.

Hoffmann Family of Companies made a splash in May when it acquired Oberweis Dairy, the iconic Illinois brand that filed for bankruptcy protections in April.

In alignment with the recent property acquisitions, David Hoffmann said, his company is planning to open three Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy storefronts — one each in Winnetka, Wilmette and Evanston — before the end of the year.

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