A car crashed into Beverly Phono Mart early New Year’s Day, damaging the popular Southwest Side record store and leaving its owners to assess an uncertain path to reopening as cleanup efforts began.
The crash occurred at about 2:20 a.m. Jan. 1 at the shop, 1808 W. 103rd St., near the corner of 103rd and Wood streets. An adult male driving a white sedan lost control of the vehicle, jumped the curb and slammed into the side of the building, according to Chicago police.
The driver, whose name was not released, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious condition. No other injuries were reported. Citations were pending Thursday, police said.
By morning, the inside of Beverly Phono Mart showed the aftermath of the crash, with car parts, shattered glass, dust and debris scattered throughout the store.
In a message posted to the store’s Instagram page, the owners described the incident as a “wild start to the new year” and announced the business would be closed until further notice.
“We’ll be closed until further notice, but are so grateful for our community that came out to help,” the post read. The message thanked friends, family and neighbors, including Ohana Ice Chicago and the Beverly Area Arts Alliance, for stepping in immediately to help with cleanup. The post also urged drivers to stay safe and avoid drinking and driving.
Friends, family and neighbors arrived soon after the crash to help the owners pick up the pieces following what they described as a New Year’s nightmare.
Beverly Phono Mart, owned by husband and wife Mallory McClaire and Chantala Kommanivanh, opened in August 2021 and has since become a neighborhood fixture. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong community ties, the shop draws steady foot traffic and a loyal group of regular customers.
The store blends music and art in a relaxed setting and has earned a reputation as a gathering place for music lovers on the South Side.
While the storefront remains closed, the owners said the store’s website, beverlyphonomart.com, remains operational as they assess the damage and plan for repairs. A timeline for reopening has not yet been announced.
I’m be leaving God that you will be able to open up again after the repair is done