A new photo booth parlor called The Strip Club is opening this week in Bucktown at 1702 N. Damen Ave. The business, which will open its doors on Friday, offers customers a choice of 10 analog and digital photo booths with various formats and styles. Another booth is expected to be added soon. Each photo strip will cost $7.
The Strip Club is the latest venture from Anthony and Andrea Vizzari, the married couple behind A&A Studios. Their company supplies photo booths to several Chicago bars and music venues, including Empty Bottle, Emporium’s Chicago locations, Schubas Tavern, as well as other sites across the city and country.
Since starting A&A Studios in 2007, the Vizzaris have expanded their operations to include building around 30 “digital-retro” machines each year while also sourcing and restoring analog booths. These digital-retro machines feature vintage designs but are equipped with modern technology for easier transport.
Anthony Vizzari explained their approach: “Each booth is a different format, a different feel. It’s like going into an ice cream store and getting little tastes,” he said. “They all have their own idiosyncrasies and characteristics.”
The idea for The Strip Club emerged after the couple visited Photomatica’s Photo Booth Museum in Los Angeles. Inspired by that experience—and noticing growing interest in photo booths on social media—they decided to create a public-facing storefront where people of all ages could enjoy the experience.
“Even though we do have a lot of photo booths in the city, they’re not necessarily accessible to everybody,” Andrea Vizzari said. “A lot of people aren’t drinking anymore, they’re looking to go out and do something experiential, something tangible, and [The Strip Club] is all those things.”
Entrance to The Strip Club is free; each booth accepts credit cards with no minimum purchase required. The space aims to be family-friendly and welcomes pets as well.
“There’s no minimum. You could come in and take one photo and leave, that’s OK. You could come in here and stay for an hour and use every single choice,” Andrea Vizzari said.
The couple plans to host events featuring photographers and special occasions tied to holidays such as Valentine’s Day next week. Ahead of its opening, The Strip Club has already attracted more than 5,000 Instagram followers.
“There’s so much excitement out there right now from the younger generation, Gen Z, that didn’t grow up with this stuff,” Andrea Vizzari said. “It reminds me of being a kid, and so I want to share that with other people.”
The shop will operate noon-9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; noon-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday; and noon-9 p.m., Sunday. Hours may change over time.
