Whats That Smell? Its The Late, Great Dannys Tavern In A Candle

Gerri Brunner, a Hermosa-based candlemaker, has crafted the Twigs & Berries candle, drawing inspiration from the scent of the now-closed Danny’s Tavern in Bucktown. Following the 2008 indoor smoking ban in Chicago, bar manager Kevin Stacy sought Brunner's expertise to mask the overwhelming odors in the tavern. The resulting candle features an earthy aroma infused with red berries, quickly becoming a sentimental favorite among patrons. Brunner has expanded her Nicolet Candle brand to include approximately 35 different scents, with Twigs & Berries standing out as a best-seller. Stacy, known as DJ Foster Grant, still uses the candle at his DJ sets to recreate the bar's atmosphere.

Former patrons, including DJ Jenny Pulse, recall the warm and energetic ambiance the candle evokes. Brunner makes the candles in her vintage workers cottage home, where she lives with her husband and cats. The nostalgic scent continues to resonate with those who cherished their time at Danny’s Tavern.