By Kristin Boza
Just when it seems like the business corridors throughout Beverly/Morgan Park couldn’t get any better, something new and exciting comes along. With the holiday season quickly approaching, these businesses have something to offer every taste and style.
Head to Turkey for Unique Gifts for Yourself and Others
The 99th Street shopping district is once again expanding with the addition of Turkey, 9913 S. Walden Pkwy., a thoughtfully curated shop with an eye toward ethically created goods and a spotlight on local creators. Owners Amy and Chris Kaskie developed the concept together and offer customers a unique variety of home accessories, jewelry, and toys, including pottery from Beverly/Morgan Park artist Dan McCabe.
“Walden Parkway is becoming a special place for Beverly and the community,” Amy said. “While biased, it’s getting harder to resist our little street.”
Amy Kaskie, a lifelong Southsider, is a mental health professional, yoga teacher and reiki practitioner with a passion for focusing on the mind/body connection. The store’s determination to maintain a focus on connecting consumers to the creators of the products they buy is integral to the shop’s mission.
Turkey is open Tues. through Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings by visiting them on Instagram and Facebook @turkeychicago or call 773-941-4751.
The Blossom Boys Reinvented
The popular flower and gift shop, The Blossom Boys, is reopening at 1810 W. 103rd St. Owned by Ryan Steinbach and Steve English, the latest concept seeks to provide the community with a studio space feel that sells flowers and gifts, but also offers classes to spark creativity.
“Whether it’s floral design, or terrarium building, or painting, we are shifting our focus to offer class options aside from our floral design work,” Steinbach said. “[We reopened] because I felt like I still have more to say and this is how I’m choosing to say it.”
The Blossom Boys will sell giftware, jewelry, candles and greeting cards that are designed and printed in Chicago. “We will hold a lot of trunk shows and will constantly change up our products since we have a lot of repeat customers seeking new things,” English said. “Our classes are even a perfect gift for the person who has everything.”
The community response to the reboot has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are telling us they’re happy and they missed us and the energy we brought to the neighborhood,” English said.
The Blossom Boys will open in early October. Stay up-to-date on all happenings by following The Blossom Boys on Facebook.
Ohana Ice and Treats Celebrates Family
After opening this summer to great fanfare, Ohana Ice and Treats, 1800 W. 103rd St., has become a neighborhood destination for shaved ice, shakes, smoothies and ice cream treats.
Owned by Beverly/Morgan Park residents Keynn and Kenneth Cain, the concept is one that goes above and beyond simply selling frozen treats.
“’Ohana”’ is defined as “family” in Hawaiian culture, and the Cains bring that feeling into their store’s atmosphere.
“When we moved to the area, we noticed that there were not many places for families and children to hang out that was within walking distance,” Keynn said. “We wanted to create a space for families and to share the things we love with the neighborhood.”
Customers come for the shaved ice, smoothies and milkshakes, and stay to spend time with their loved ones. From shaved ice in flavors like cherry, guava and lemon to Kenneth’s favorite cappuccino crunch ice cream, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly shop.
Ohana Ice and Treats is open daily, 12 to 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook @OhanaIceChicago.
Open Outcry Brewing Company to Open Rooftop Space
Open Outcry Brewing Company, 10934 S. Western, quickly established itself as a neighborhood staple when they opened just over a year ago. Owner John Brand recently announced that the brewery is expanding in an unexpected way: a rooftop beer garden. Many elements are being fashioned from reclaimed barnwood from southern Illinois that promises to create an extraordinary environment for outdoor dining and drinking. Check out their Facebook page @OpenOutcryBrewing to stay up-to-date on the latest rooftop beer garden news.
For now, head into the brewery to try the Imperial Puzzle Pieces Almond Tart, which Open Outcry brewed in collaboration with Woggly Square Brewing Co. The Russian imperial stout recently earned first place at the 350 Brewing Company’s 350 Fest.
