 
Friday, March 22, 2024 | View in browser
 It's time to Enjoy Evanston!
The Enjoy Evanston website has officially launched! Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, Enjoy Evanston is your passport to what’s happening throughout the city. This go-to guide has everything from upcoming events to local business spotlights to where to dine, drink, and shop.
 Parade Grand Marshal Cheryl Judice with Hecky's strawberry soda Credit: Evan Girard
Enjoy Evanston's women-owned restaurants!
Looking for dinner plans? Celebrate Women's History Month by stopping by these women-owned and operated restaurants in Evanston! There is a wide variety of establishments, from fast casual to fine dining to coffee shops and bakeries. Check out the full list and make sure to stop by this month and beyond!
See below for upcoming events and start planning your weekends! You can find the full calendar of events on the Enjoy Evanston website.
Have a upcoming event?
Help us add to our calendar! We encourage you to submit all your upcoming events through our website.
Please review the following submission guidelines:
- Only public events may be listed
- Cannot be solely retail in nature
- Cannot be solely religious or political in nature
- Cannot be solely fundraisers or networking events
- Should be leisure time or recreational activities
Event eligibility is also evaluated on a case-by-case basis. At this time, we are only able to accept event listings in English.
 Photo credit: Becca Heuer
Meet Brigitte "Gigi" Giles, owner of Ebony Barber Shop, a long-standing business located at 1702 Dodge Ave. in the Church & Dodge business district. We sat down to learn more about her story and the legacy of her father's shop. See the full interview below!
KB: Your family has a long history with Ebony Barber Shop. Can you share some of that history?
BG: Ebony Barber Shop was established in 1962 by my father, Marshall Giles. He was originally mentored by Sam Johnson at Church Street Barber Shop. The original shop had two chairs and over the years, as he built this business, he also built ties to the community. For example, the barber shop was used as a polling place for many years and a place where local youth obtained employment and mentorship. We have a free haircut/style day yearly for the children going back to school.
KB: How does the community around Church & Dodge district support your business?
BG: The community around Church and Dodge has always supported Ebony Barber Shop. Generations of families flock in for haircuts and the ambiance. The barber shop is a safe space to gather. Not only does the community support the business with haircut patronage, but they also participate in our annual coat drive where we collected over 200 coats last year for local children.
KB: What can folks expect if they come to Ebony for a haircut?
BG: When you walk into Ebony Barber Shop, you can expect a warm environment playing tunes from Marvin Gaye to the latest rapper. Then you sit down and have an excellent hair cut, great customer service and the most interesting conversation you had for that day (maybe even that week). Our clientele is diverse and the atmosphere is always upbeat and fun. My vision has been to blend the ways of yesterday with today. We cater to the entire family.
KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?
BG: My favorite thing about being an Evanston business is this community. I have lived all over the U.S. and there is no place like Evanston. The big city vibe with the small town love mixed with the diversity of people, you can't manufacture what is made here. My family is actually in its third generation of hair care professionals. My daughter is the owner of iKandi Hair studio, so she continues the legacy of Ebony and Evanston Strong.
 Have you visited the Maple / Foster district?
Anchored by long-standing businesses, like Studio-SLK and Reese’s Barber Studio, to the south and west, and the CTA Foster Station on the east, this tucked away district is the perfect place to discover some of Evanston’s unique small businesses. Grab a bite at Ovo Frito, then pamper yourself at Lash Squared or with a massage from Carrie B. Massage Therapy.
Its close proximity to Northwestern University and downtown Evanston make it easily accessible, and a great place for students, residents, and downtown visitors alike to check out. You might even decide to try something new – like dance classes or a performance at Chicago Ballet Arts.
Watch for more information coming soon on Enjoy Evanston!
 Did you know?
Before Evanston became a ‘wet’ city, bars popped up along the Chicago side of Howard Street to serve those who weren’t fond of the dry night life. Now Evanston boasts several hot spots for spirits, from local brews– beer or kombucha–to craft cocktails to artisanal wines.
Evanston may have been home to the Temperance Movement and remained a dry city for decades, but it is making up for lost time!
|
