The Bridgeport Records crew launches a new shop in West Town

Chicago’s record shop landscape is set to expand with the upcoming launch of Onion City Records, a new brick-and-mortar store in the West Town neighborhood. Established music entrepreneurs Vick Lavender and Jerry Morrison, known for their work with Bridgeport Records, have been preparing this venture since a soft opening during mid-July’s West Fest at 1812 W. Chicago Avenue.

The decision to open a second location in West Town marks a strategic move for the pair, who have witnessed rapid growth at their original Bridgeport Records store. Since its inception in July 2024 at 3336 S. Halsted, Bridgeport Records quickly outgrew its initial space, prompting a relocation to a larger venue at 3251 S. Halsted with a grand opening held in February 2025. Onion City Records is positioned as a complementary extension, bridging Chicago’s South and North sides by bringing the distinct vibe of their South Side roots to West Town.

Morrison’s personal ties to West Town run deep, with his family having lived in the area for over a century following immigration from Poland. This connection informs the store’s community-centric ethos and curatorial approach. The new location is strategically situated just west of Ashland Avenue, near prominent retail spots such as Every Now and Then, a streetwear boutique by designer Joe Freshgoods.

After an extensive search involving around 45 storefronts, the team secured a spot on Chicago Avenue, noting the challenging rental market on the north side. They emphasize that Onion City Records will not replicate existing record stores nearby but will instead cultivate a unique neighborhood presence with a carefully curated inventory aligned with their expertise and tastes.

Reflecting the founders’ backgrounds, Onion City Records will stock a diverse collection heavily weighted towards dance music genres. Lavender, a deep-house producer and head of Sophisticado Recordings, influences the store’s focus on house and techno music. The selection will also embrace related styles such as jazz, hip-hop, R&B, funk, industrial, and new wave, highlighting the interconnected histories of these genres.

Supporting local musicians remains a priority, with Morrison noting direct relationships with approximately one hundred Chicago-based producers. The initial inventory for Onion City is anticipated to include roughly 5,000 records—more than double the quantity available at Bridgeport Records when it first opened. Bridgeport currently houses around 15,000 titles, with plans for further expansion contingent on Onion City’s success.

Beyond retail, the new shop aims to serve as a social hub. Plans include a lounge area featuring a large-screen television and a gaming station to foster community engagement around music, offering visitors a space not only to shop but to relax, listen, and connect.

Operating hours are expected to span Thursday through Sunday, with flexibility for extended hours on weekends to accommodate a lively atmosphere. The official grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, with performances by Lavender and other artists yet to be finalized.

Looking ahead, the owners envision further expansion, including a downtown Chicago location and an out-of-state presence in New York City. These future endeavors intend to promote Chicago’s rich musical heritage across multiple genres on a broader scale.

In addition to this development, the city’s vibrant music scene is highlighted by events such as the second annual Sound & Gravity festival in early September, which features diverse performances and cultural programming. These ongoing activities underscore Chicago’s enduring influence and dynamic environment for music enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Details about Onion City Records and its forthcoming events will be shared through Bridgeport Records’ social media channels as the opening approaches, promising a fresh addition to Chicago’s network of independent record stores.