Posts

Think Before You Click 

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By Brittany Wiley 
BAPA Business Liaison 

In the age of Amazon and coronavirus, ordering with the click of a button seems like the smart choice. Not only are we addicted to the immediate gratification but also the ease. You can shop without masks and hand sanitizer, without concern. But we challenge you to think further ahead. To think before you click.  

What will our decision to shop with a click do to our community? How is this affecting our hyper-local economy?  

Our neighbors own the shops and restaurants here. They serve our community with more than product but also with the intention of making Beverly/Morgan Park a better place to live. It is our duty as neighbors to do what we can to ensure that these places survive, and hopefully, thrive during this crisis. 

The idea to start a local Think Before You Click campaign came from a simple discussion with Robin Harmon, interior designer and owner of RMH Design, 1804 W. 103rd St. Like a lot of other small businesses, Harmon has had to downsize to survive. Her business has been around for eight years. It is established. She has a solid customer base. Quality products. So why is this happening to her?  

Because, too often, we as consumers don’t think about the livelihood of our local business owners: we browse, we click, it ships.  

How many of us during the last four months have bought décor, furniture and fixtures for our homes online? I would venture to guess a lot.  

Did you know that Harmon has direct access to vendors like Anthropologie, Surya, and Hudson Valley? Even if you aren’t in need of an interior designer, you can walk into Harmon’s Showroom and order rugs, lighting, décor and more, directly from her. And she can guide you through the process. You get quality products and connection. You are making a direct impact on our local economy. 

We know there are other businesses out there that are struggling to get their message out, or let people know about all their services. BAPA wants to give you a voice, to create that connection with the community we serve. Reach out and we will help you bridge that gap.  

As consumers, we need to stop and think. Do you need to order from Instacart or can you stop into County Fair? Can you call Keith Lewis at Bookie’s for that new book for your child instead of getting it online? We can all make small changes to how we shop. It will make a difference. Think before you click and help your neighbor. And contact me at bwiley@bapa.org to share your ideas.  

Beverly Dry Goods Brings South Side Pride to Walden  

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By Brittany Wiley 
BAPA Business Liaison 

Mary Bujwid and her fiancé Jason Moss have been bringing South Side-inspired wares to the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood since January 2019.  Through their hard work and the support of the community, they will open Beverly Dry Goods bricks-and-mortar on Thurs., July 2 at 9915 S. Walden Pkwy.  (formerly occupied by Capsule).   

“I truly feel that there is nowhere else in the city where we would be as successful as we’ve been in such a short time.  This community makes Beverly Dry Goods possible, and we feel a large sense of responsibility to provide them with products they can be proud to wear, use in their home, or give as gift,” said Bujwid. 

In 2017, Bujwid and Moss moved to Beverly/Morgan Park.  They were drawn to the “clear sense of community” when they previously drove through on Moss’s motorcycle.  Bujwid explained that it was easy to tell, even just passing through, because “everyone smiled and waved, neighbors chatted in the street, families played in yards, [and] there were beautiful homes wonderfully kept and restored.”  They knew they wanted this for themselves. 

Bujwid grew up in retail and always wanted to open her own shop. After moving here, she was inspired.  She found her “why.” “No one was celebrating how special this neighborhood and the people are, so I decided to take that on,” Bujwid said.  

Bujwid and Moss have created a hyper–local line of candles, apparel and accessories with names that represent the neighborhood, “Walden,” “Longwood” and “Frunchroom,” to name a few.  They will be expanding their line to include beard balm, room sprays and diffusers.  

Dog treats will be making their way into the store shortly following the opening (their line is delayed due to COVID closures) to accompany the bandanas they’ve created for our furry friends.  The store will not only carry items for your pet, but it will also be dog friendly.    

Their desire to be pet friendly was not only inspired by their dog and the number of families with dogs in the community, but also because Bujwid had a vision for the store  “to be interwoven into the daily lives of customers and not just a place to go and grab something.”  She wants to be a spot for people to gather, to hang out, to feel at home.   

Support your neighbors and South Side pride at the new Beverly Dry Goods location on Walden or online at www.beverlydrygoods.com. Follow their journey on Instagram @beverlydrygoods and www.facebook.com/beverlydrygoods. 

Dance Gallery Goes Virtual 

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By Kristin Boza 

Finding creative, yet productive, ways to conduct online dance classes is a challenge Marylee Sinopoli, owner of Dance Gallery Chicago, accomplished. No matter what happens with the stay-at-home orders this summer, Sinopoli and her crew of dance teachers are prepared to continue offering virtual lessons to keep their dancers moving. 

“We began virtual classes on May 4 for a 6-week session. It’s going really well; I’m not very tech-savvy, but I’m getting the hang of it,” Sinopoli said. “It was so fun to see all the kids’ faces. They are all excited to continue dancing and they think Zoom classes are normal now.” 

Sinopoli realized that Zoom, a popular program to host live virtual classes and meetings, wasn’t very conducive for a dance class because the video quality tends to be poor. She began researching and found a better streaming platform, which offers a much higher quality video, thereby enhancing the ability of the instructors to aid their dancers online.  

“We’re initiating the new online streaming classes for our summer session, taking place June 22 through July 30,” Sinopoli said. “We’re hoping the children will be able to come into the building for summer classes, but if we can’t, we have a solid back-up plan in place. This new system is much more high-tech and it looks so much better on the screen.” 

The added bonus of the online streaming platform is that teachers can pre-record their class so students can attend at their leisure. Plus, they can teach for a full hour, versus the 40-minute time limit on Zoom. “But we will have to modify our classes, as it is too difficult to give intensive combinations to our high-level dancers because they have limited space at home,” Sinopoli said. “We are continuing to work on technique and essential skills while having fun.” 

Dance teachers have conducted their classes in their Dance Gallery studios, and the classes have been staggered to allow only two teachers in the building at one time to ensure proper social distancing. Currently, Dance Gallery is offering 15 classes, and many students are signing up for them. “I think parents are itching to get some regularity in their child’s life,” Sinopoli said. 

Although virtual offerings are the norm nowadays, Sinopoli can’t help but feel sad for what the kids are missing. “We miss rehearsals and being backstage. Our dancers are missing a big trip and performance in New York City this year. All that is cancelled and it’s just been a bummer of a year,” she said. 

To sign up for a virtual drop-in class, which runs through June 11, or to sign up for the summer session, visit DanceGalleryChicago.com.  

 

City Grange Plans May 9 Opening

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The opening of the new City Grange location at 1818 W. 99th St. has been delayed by the pandemic, but hopes are they customers will be welcoming them to the neighborhood in spring.

The company has ramped up its website and restocked its inventory to offer shoppers flowering plants and herb, vegetable and fruit plant accompanied with online education – items that are on the top of the request list.

City Grange is bundling complete garden kits and online classes together to help anyone be successful. Online classes are taught by City Grange gardening pros, and are interactive, so students can ask questions.
Because growing our own food more top-of-mind right now, City Grange is offering a wide selection of certified organic herbs, fruit and vegetable plants online for safe curb-side pick-up at their north side store or delivery anywhere in Chicago.

City Grange also offers a range of products from organic potting soils and composts, as well as containers of all shapes and sizes for decks, porches, patios and yards. Shop online at CityGrange.com.

Eat, Drink and Shop Local

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Responding to the coronavirus requires us to maintain a safe distance – not what we’re used to in our close-knit, sociable community. Even from home we can work together to make it through these unprecedented times and stay informed on what is changing and what is needed. Below is a list of Beverly/Morgan Park restaurants offering carry outs & delivery and businesses offering special ways to shop. 

For many of the following businesses, details about their hours and offerings are available on their websites or Facebook pages.

County Fair Foods, 10800 S. Western, is open from 7 to 8 a.m. for senior shoppers only; all others can shop after 8. Countyfairfoods.net.

Southtown Health Foods, 2100 W. 95th St., is open. Reach them on Facebook or at southtownhealthfoods.com. Offering groceries as well as a variety of beauty and healthcare products.

 

Ain’t She Sweet Café, Beverly, 773-840-3309. Carryout and delivery through Grubhub. Details

Beverly Bakery & Café, 773-238-5580. Carryout and Delivery. 7am-2pm Weekdays, 7am-1pm Weekends. Details

Barney Callaghan’s Pub -773.233.6829 – open 3pm – 7pm for curbside beer pickup.  $15 domestic cases, $25 import cases.

Horse Thief Hollow, 773-779-2739. Carryout and free local delivery Tuesday-Sunday 4PM-9PM, 25% off Crowlers on Tuesdays, merchandise available for purchase. Details

Open Outcry Brewing Co., 773-629-6055. daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., delivery or curbside pickup. Order 32-oz Crowler cans, kitchen menus items, gift certificates and merchandise. Credit card only.  Details

Swanson’s Deli, 773.239.1197 – open for pickup and delivery 10am – 3pm.  Now offering meal kits along with regular menu and take home meals. Details.

Pizzeria Deepo, 773-840-3087. Carryouts, curbside pickup. Details

Nine One One BBQ Shack, 773-238-9111. No-contact curbside delivery. Carryout. Facebook page 

Top Notch, 773-445-7218. Carryout.

Barracos 95th Street, 773-881-4040. Area locations open 24 hours for carryout and delivery.  Details https://www.facebook.com/BarracosPizza/

AndySunflower Cafe: 9920 S. Western Ave. Accepting mobile, drive-up orders. Details

Manzo’s Burger – 773.779.5945 – open for curbside pickup and delivery – For delivery orders please text your order and address to 773-349-0453. We will be delivering from 95th st. to 127th st. from Pulaski to Ashland  Details

Nicky’s Grill, 773-233-3072. Carry out and delivery. Details and menu

Ken’s on Western, 773-238-0234. Free delivery within 2 miles or curbside pick-up, 4 to 9 p.m. Details

Calabria Imports, 773-396-5800. carry out or delivery. Details

Fox’s Beverly Pub, 773-239-3212. Carryout and delivery, lunch and dinner. Details

Americano’s, 773-941-6787. 11060 S. Western Ave. No-contact curbside delivery and Margaritas-To-Go! Details

Franconello, 773-881-4100.  Curbside pickup and delivery, heat and serve meals and sauces. Wine Delivery Details

Bani’s Beets, 773- 599-9764. Curbside pick up and delivery. Details

Hearty Café, 773-881-1000 carry outs; delivery via Uber Eats, Door Dash and Grub Hub. Details

Two Mile Coffee Bar, 773-614-8115. Available for carry out. Place an order over the phone or through mobile ordering system for rapid pick up. Curbside assistance available upon request. Details

Pizzeria Deepo, 773-840-3087. Pay and order over the phone for curbside pick-up. Details

Retail Specials

Beverly Records, 773-779-0066. Shop via Facetime appointments or in store. Details

Running Excels, 773-629-8587. Shop by phone or by FB messenger. Curbside pickup contactless payment and free delivery within a 5 mile radius. Details 

Turkey Chicago. Shop online or via social media.  Details

Belle Up, 773- 233-2442. Shop online or via social media.  Details

Bookie’s – Chicago is open for shopping online including digital and audio books.

Steuber Florist 773.238.2013 – taking orders 10am-2pm Monday-Friday

Brach’s Auto – 773.238.0606 – All services available, FREE vehicle pickup and drop off, no contact dropbox, vehicle sanitization after service

 

Businesses Temporarily Closed

Beverly Arts Center 

Ohana Ice & Treats

Original Pancake House, 773-445-6100

Capsule Chicago

Starbucks 103rd and Longwood Drive

Health and Fitness

Do Good Movement: Daily adult and children yoga. Details

CORE Fitness and Physical Therapy: Posting daily workout challenges on Facebook: Details

Beverly Barre: Live Instagram workouts: Details 

Beverly Yoga Center: Online classes available: Details

Treadfit: Posting workout challenges on Facebook, Details

Barre It All Fitness, (872) 256-1397, 8-10 online live classes a day Sunday-Monday. For details and a free week visit us Here and click “free trial.”

Fit Code: Unlimited Virtual Training Sessions for 21 days with a donation of your choice. 70% of the donation used to buy gift cards from local businesses and 30% goes to trainers at Fit Code. Details

Dance Gallery 773.445.8910 Streaming workouts and dance classes on Facebook Details

 

Mental Health

Beverly Therapists – 773.310.3488 – offering teletherapy

Begin Within Therapy– offering teletherapy

Mirjam Quinn & Associates – offering teletherapy

C&D Family Farms has made arrangements with a few 95th Street farmers market vendors to distribute their products on their website. Coming soon at cdfamilyfarms.com will be products from Honey and Jam, Feed Your Head vegan meats, Long Table pancake mixes and bread from Breadman Baking.

Eat, Drink and Shop Local

Our restaurants and stores need your business! Purchase gift certificates, order carryout meals from restaurants, shop online. Dollars spent helping our business neighbors helps our community stay strong. BAPA is updating local business info on this page. If you have a business update, please email info to Brittany Wiley, BAPA Business Liaison, bwiley@bapa.org.

Infographic with 25 ways to support small businesses

 

 

Biz Spotlight: Keir Foot & Ankle Specialists 

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By Kristin Boza 

Spring is nearly here, followed soon after by sandal weather. Now is the time to address foot and ankle issues that have been put off over the winter to ensure healthy feet, especially in time for the Ridge Run.  

Keir Foot & Ankle Specialists, 11628 S. Western, opened in Sept. 2019, and is owned and operated by Dr. Whitney Castle, DPM, a life-long Beverly/Morgan Park resident, and Dr. Sabrina Landers, DPM. The podiatrists offer a full-spectrum of foot and ankle care, including sports injuries, diabetic foot care, custom orthotics, gout, bunions, tendonitis, ankle sprains and pain, ingrown toenails, warts, flat feet and more.  

The doctors seek to promote the health and well-being of the Beverly/Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood communities by providing high-quality and accessible podiatric care to address the foot and ankle needs for patients of all ages.  

“We are comprehensive podiatrists who are trained surgeons for conditions of the foot and ankle, and specialize in sports medicine and wound care,” Landers said. “It’s been a whirlwind six months for us in the area. Other small businesses and our neighbors have reached out to offer support. We look forward to serving this community for many years to come, and we can’t wait to take part in the upcoming community events in 2020!” 

“Local physicians have been really supportive [as the practice gets started],” Castle said. “I grew up in Morgan Park, went to St. Barnabas and St. Ignatius, and my sister and parents all live nearby. This is one of the few areas of the city where you still find multiple generations of a family; there is a tight-knit community feel here that you don’t’ find in other parts of the city. I wanted our practice to be a part of the community and become a household name.” 

Drs. Landers and Castle have built their patient base on physician referrals, insurance company referrals, and advertising. Potential patients can contact Keir Foot & Ankle Specialists to determine if they need a referral from their insurance company. All major insurances are accepted. Find out more at FootKeir.com or call 773-941-4040. 

Keir Foot & Ankle Specialists is a BAPA Business Member.  

 

Nicky’s Adds to Western Avenue Landscape

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By Kristin Boza 

The Western Avenue landscape will be changing over the coming months, as Nicky’s Grill and Yogurt builds a fresh new restaurant on the corner of 105th Street. Paul Kostopanagiotou, owner of the popular eatery now located at 103rd and Western, says the new space will double the seating capacity of his longtime spot and will include outdoor patio options and, eventually, roof top seating. 

Kostopanagiotou and his team of architects and designers are keeping two walls of the existing building on the lot, but pairing them with a unique design utilizing shipping containers.  

“I’ve spent a lot of time visiting other restaurants made from shipping containers and looking at pictures of this type of construction from around the world. We’ve been researching and working on the design, and are lucky to have sourced the shipping containers from a company in Dixmoor, Illinois. I love the corrugated container look, and I think the final design will be really eye-catching,” he said.  

After working with the city to finalize the plans, Kostopanagiotou decided to stack two shipping containers on top of each other for the main part of the building. A single shipping container on another side of the building will allow for roof top seating. 

“The building will be made up of five total containers; four will be stacked, and one will be the ‘ground level’ container with stairs from the outside leading to the roof. While the roof top won’t be open right away once construction is completed, we will have a full outdoor seating area for families to enjoy,” he said. 

Nicky’s has always been known as a place for quick, fresh food that welcomes families. The vision for the new restaurant includes a liquor license for beer and wine, including a special brew from neighbor Horse Thief Hollow to be sold exclusively at Nicky’s.  

“Nicky’s is a quick service restaurant, but even if you only have 20 minutes or so, you should still enjoy it. We want families to come and hang out and enjoy a meal,” Kostopanagiotou said. 

The new restaurant building continues the trend started by other businesses that engaged in big remodels on Western Avenue.  

“I’m focused on getting the corner of 105th and Western to look really nice. I’ve been here for 20 years and I’m comfortable making this investment because Beverly completely supports small businesses; people here really keep their money here,” Kostopanagiotou said. “Neil (Byers) at Horse Thief Hollow started it on Western Avenue, then Open Outcry did it, and Swanson’s as well. Our thought is if we invest on Western in the footsteps of others, then somebody else is going to do something too.” 

Ground breaking is expected to be in mid-March, with a grand opening in this summer. In the meantime, Nicky’s will be open at its original location, 10255 S. Western Ave.  

“I can really feel the energy from our customers; everyone is so supportive and it makes me feel confident that we made the right move,” Kostopanagiotou said. 

  

City Grange Holiday Pop-up Shop 

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‘Nature is beautiful’ is the mantra of City Grange founder and president LaManda Joy. The successful north side social-enterprise gardening center is popping up at Joplin Marley, 9911 S. Walden Pkwy., on Fridays (4 to 8 p.m.), Saturdays (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and Sundays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) through Sun., Dec. 15.  

Seasonal greens, wreaths, garlands, cut floral, holiday containers, and other natural home décor items will be available to help spruce up holiday home decorating. City Grange will also offer two Sunday afternoon classes for people looking to create their own greenery containers. These free classes require an RSVP and will teach attendees how to decorate their own sustainable containers at home by helping them discover how to pair greens with accessories, selecting the right container and more.  

The mission of City Grange is to focus on organic and pesticide-free plant material, education and community-building. It’s first location at 5500 N. Western opened in April 2019, and Joy expects to open a second location in Beverly/Morgan Park in spring. “We’ve had many visitors from Beverly at our north side location, and they always tell us to come down to Beverly. I met with Caroline Connors (of the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association), and we started to fall in love with Beverly,” Joy said. “We’ve been really welcomed here. Garden centers are destinations, and it’s important to make solid partnerships with the community. My vision is that the City Grange brand will support the community, which in turn supports nature, and ultimately supports human well-being through a relationship with nature.” 

Joy is very conscious about supplying organic and pesticide-free plants and materials, and also combats excessive plastic packaging from her suppliers as much as possible. The outdoor winter containers are made of wood, and all elements of the arrangements will be completely compostable and natural for a nature-based decorating experience.  

Visit the City Grange Facebook page to register for a complimentary winter container class.  

City Grange to Open Holiday Pop-up Shop  

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Shop Will Offer Holiday Decorating and Shopping Opportunities Inspired by Nature 

 

City Grange, Chicago’s only independent social-enterprise gardening center focusing on education and organic and sustainable plants, will open its first pop-up destination just in time for the holiday decorating and shopping season. 

Located at Joplin Marley Studios at 9911 S. Walden Pkwy., the City Grange Holiday Pop-up Shop will offer seasonal greens, wreaths, garlands, cut floral, holiday containers and other décor items, as well as holiday decorating demos and classes. Select merchandise can be ordered for delivery. 

City Grange Founder and President LaManda Joy, an Illinois Extension Master Gardener and founder of Peterson Garden Project, is excited to bring City Grange to a new part of the city. “I believe the world would be a better place with more gardeners,” she says. “I started City Grange to inspire, motivate and help more people garden successfully. Our first location on the north side has been an overwhelming success, and I look forward to welcoming everyone in Beverly and the surrounding communities for holiday decorating and shopping at City Grange.” 

The City Grange Beverly Holiday Pop-Up store will be open on Fridays, 4 to 8 p.m., 

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun., Nov. 22 through Sun., Dec. 22.  

City Grange is America’s first independent social enterprise gardening destination focusing on organic and pesticide-free plant material, education and community-building. City Grange sells organic and pesticide-free plants, garden tools and supplies, hosts gardening workshops and offers a job-training program for at-risk individuals called United We Blossom. City Grange takes inspiration from the historic Grange movement of the 1800s to advance modern-day urban gardening for everyone and promote the social and economic needs of communities. 

City Grange plans to open its second location in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood in spring, For more information, visit www.citygrange.com. 

City Grange to Open Holiday Pop-up Shop  

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Shop Will Offer Holiday Decorating and Shopping Opportunities Inspired by Nature 

 

City Grange, Chicago’s only independent social-enterprise gardening center focusing on education and organic and sustainable plants, will open its first pop-up destination just in time for the holiday decorating and shopping season. 

Located at Joplin Marley Studios at 9911 S. Walden Pkwy., the City Grange Holiday Pop-up Shop will offer seasonal greens, wreaths, garlands, cut floral, holiday containers and other décor items, as well as holiday decorating demos and classes. Select merchandise can be ordered for delivery. 

City Grange Founder and President LaManda Joy, an Illinois Extension Master Gardener and founder of Peterson Garden Project, is excited to bring City Grange to a new part of the city. “I believe the world would be a better place with more gardeners,” she says. “I started City Grange to inspire, motivate and help more people garden successfully. Our first location on the north side has been an overwhelming success, and I look forward to welcoming everyone in Beverly and the surrounding communities for holiday decorating and shopping at City Grange.” 

The City Grange Beverly Holiday Pop-Up store will be open on Fridays, 4 to 8 p.m., 

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun., Nov. 22 through Sun., Dec. 22.  

City Grange is America’s first independent social enterprise gardening destination focusing on organic and pesticide-free plant material, education and community-building. City Grange sells organic and pesticide-free plants, garden tools and supplies, hosts gardening workshops and offers a job-training program for at-risk individuals called United We Blossom. City Grange takes inspiration from the historic Grange movement of the 1800s to advance modern-day urban gardening for everyone and promote the social and economic needs of communities. 

City Grange plans to open its second location in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood in spring, For more information, visit www.citygrange.com.