Sherman Phoenix Is Reopening

The Sherman Phoenix, located in the Sherman Park neighborhood, is officially reopening June 15 after COVID-19 forced its doors closed for more than a year.

The Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., is an entrepreneurial hub for small Black-owned businesses with the goal of advancing entrepreneurship in communities of color. Following violent unrest in the Sherman Park neighborhood after a fatal police shooting rocked the community, the Sherman Phoenix was created from the fire-burned BMO Harris Bank building.

Years later, the Sherman Phoenix finds itself – once again – rising from the ashes.

After COVID-19 forced its doors closed in March 2020, the Sherman Phoenix sought out community support, and the community came through in more ways than one. On top of monetary donations, people also offered uplifting messages on social media encouraging the Phoenix to “rise again.” A television production company offered free airtime to help spread the word, and an IT expert gave an hour of free consultation to help some of the tenants with their pivot to e-commerce.

The Sherman Phoenix has been open for curbside and carry-out service, but has not been open for full-service.

Because of community support, the Sherman Phoenix is back and ready to fully open. On June 15, you can enjoy “free BBQ straight from the grill, self-guided tours (come meet the owners), free photo booth to capture the joy and more LOVE than you can handle. It’s been a rough year and we are planning our pathway to restoration carefully with you all in mind,” the Sherman Phoenix wrote in an Instagram post announcing their reopening.

There is also a solidarity bike ride event hosted by the Sherman Phoenix taking place on Juneteenth, June 19th, to celebrate Emancipation Day and honor Black lives. Individuals wanting to participate in this event can meet in the Sherman Phoenix parking lot at 9 a.m. The bike ride will start at 10 a.m. on closed streets. Participants will also need to bring a bike, helmet and hydration. Masks are not required but recommended.

Afterwards, there will be free refreshments, bike clinics, fun giveaways and the chance to listen to inspiring speakers from the community.

This event is sponsored by Rise Cycles, a bike shop opening this fall in the neighborhood. Black is Beautiful will also be joining as ride guides.

As the Sherman Phoenix has proven, it definitely has the ability to rise from the ashes.