While they are common in Chicago, a wine and martini bar was a pretty rare sight in Northwest Indiana until Vino Tini came along. As the owners and developers of Crown Plaza in Dyer, Guy and Karen Costanza wanted to put something different in the mall.

"We have enough sports bars in Northwest Indiana and wanted something that was more like a night out," Karen said. "The thought was to create a spot for people who were used to going to the city."

So they hired designer Lynn Hastings, who helped design the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas and a private club in South Beach for Shaquille O'Neal, to come up with a swank feel for Vino Tini.

The bar is owned by their daughter and her husband, Jacqueline and Paul Gilvydis, both Purdue University graduates. Paul was captain of the Purdue University basketball team several years ago under coach Gene Keady. With an MBA, Paul had business experience while Jacqueline had been working for her parents.

"We wanted to open a business and began brainstorming about what we needed in this area," Jacqueline said. "Vino Tini doesn't have a real young crowd. It's more for people who appreciate something a bit more upscale. The music is quieter and the atmosphere is less rowdy."

Vino Tini has an extensive wine list, martinis of the month and specialty cocktails to be offered all summer.

"We've learned that people get bored with the same thing," Jacqueline said. "We offer seasonal drinks and look at the Internet for what's hot and what's selling. We group brainstorm and take suggestions from customers about what they like."

The bar also offers gourmet appetizers and desserts, and plans to begin hosting live entertainment on Thursday and Saturday nights. And there may be more of the city vibe in the area. Guy Costanza will be developing another mini-lifestyle plaza on the same block. There is interest in one of the businesses being a downtown steakhouse.

"This bar business is definitely a challenge," Jacqueline said. "But it's also been fun."

Vino Tini

Location: 1143-47 Joliet St., Dyer

Phone: (219) 322-9185

Owner: Paul and Jacqueline Gilvydis

Type of business: Wine/martini bar

Number of employees: 10

When opened: November