December's business services scoop – An Oak Park original expands!
Each month, the Village’s Business Services Team endeavors to give you the scoop on a new store or business that you can expect to open in Oak Park in the not-too-distant future. December’s scoop continues the good news about new businesses opening in Oak Park’s North Avenue Business Corridor. Taco Pros – Mexican Cocina became a multi-state restaurant chain after opening its first restaurant in Oak Park in 2019 at 2 Chicago Ave. Taco Pros is now busy remodeling a new restaurant soon to open at 6427 North Ave. The exterior signage on North Avenue was just installed as the interior remodeling continues. As stated on the Taco Pros website, “Inspired by the gastronomic art of Mexico, Taco Pros aims to transport you to the flavors of Mexican Tianguis (market) street foods.” The Village appreciates the ongoing investment and hard work of the Taco Pros team as Oak Park’s very own Taco Pros expands its offerings in our community.
In September, the scoop was the announcement of the future Wolf Boba Tea & Coffee shop that will be going in at 134 N. Oak Park Avenue. In October, the scoop was the announced future arrival of the Wing Snob restaurant chain to 7115 W. North Avenue. In November, the scoop was the announced future arrival of the new Meineke Car Care Center planned to occupy a site on Madison Street. Stay tuned to the Pick Oak Park Report for future scoops!
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Pete's Fresh Market obtains additional building permit for new Madison Street location
Construction is moving forward at the newest Pete’s Fresh Market. Last week, Pete's was issued the permit to construct the shell of its new building at 668 Madison St. This is in addition to previously-issued earth retention, foundation and parking lot construction building permits. The construction site at the northeast corner of Madison Street and Oak Park Avenue will be the second Pete's Fresh Market location in Oak Park. Given the significant community interest in the progress of this development, regular updates on the project are being provided in the monthly Pick Oak Park Report. If you know anyone who could benefit from receiving regular updates on business happenings in Oak Park, please encourage them to sign up to receive the Pick Oak Park Report at www.oak-park.us/enews.
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Support Oak Park Businesses…Keep the Cheer Here!
The Village and the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce have partnered to bring you “Keep the Cheer Here,” a celebration of community, connection and local shopping. This new holiday gift card program allows you to purchase a gift card to share the joy of shopping local in Oak Park with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to give the gift of choice and keep holiday spending close to home. More information can be found at www.keepthecheerhere.org.
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Crumb Crusher Cupcakes about to open
Another fantastic bakery is about to join the Oak Park business landscape. Crumb Crusher Cupcakes, 805 South Blvd., recently installed its new business signage. Located in the beautiful Hemingway Business District, when open, business owner Chelsea Goolsby-Eberhart intends to offer personalized sweets, treats and custom cakes for any occasion with a focus on nut free, gluten free, vegan and keto. You can get a feel for Crumb Crusher’s offerings through its Facebook page. We look forward to Crumb Crusher’s opening soon. The Village continues to appreciate the many entrepreneurs investing in the Oak Park business community.
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Visit Oak Park supports Oak Park businesses
Visit Oak Park Executive Director Annie Coakley recently hosted a meet up focused on Oak Park short-term rentals (AirBnB-type businesses) at Buzz Café by Kribi. The event was a way for Visit Oak Park to gain feedback from short-term rental business owners about how they feel the tourist organization could best help them drive new overnight stays in the community. In late 2023, Visit Oak Park invested funds to create a webpage to help promote short-term rentals. Currently, Visit Oak Park is running a promotion targeting Bears games attendees in the tri-state region. Visit Oak Park plans to modify this promotion in the future and focus on a winter stay-cation promotion.
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Zoning Board of Appeals busy with business-related applications
The Village’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met this week to discuss several applications. Rui Spa, seeking a special use permit to provide massage therapy at 423 ½ N. Marion St., received a 5-0 vote from the ZBA to send a positive recommendation to the Village Board. Additionally, Emiyuki and Juan Ortiz, seeking a special use permit to operate a reception/banquet facility hosting children’s parties and small group gatherings at 6537 North Ave., received a 5-0 vote from the ZBA to send a positive recommendation to the Village Board. Prospective business owners Emiyuki and Juan Ortiz described their business’ focus as being small group functions like bridal showers. Additionally, they stated that they are not interested in any events that could potentially include alcohol or loud music.
Benchmarking help is available
The Village of Oak Park has a progressive benchmarking ordinance that requires buildings 10,000 square feet or larger to report annual building energy and water usage. This is an important strategy in the Village’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support our building owners and organizations in energy efficiency and electrification. Benchmarking reports are due December 31, 2024, for the years 2022 and 2023. If you need assistance in meeting the requirements of this important ordinance, the Village has the following help available:
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There are virtual office hours scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Fri., Dec. 13. You can drop in any time during the session to ask questions and get help. Click here to register.
- You can access a Getting Started Guide here; and
- Find more information and submit tickets through the Village's Benchmarking Help Desk.
Oak Park named as one of the 50 best places to travel in 2025
Capturing tourism dollars helps everyone, especially businesses. Online travel guide “Travel Lemming” has more than 10 million annual readers. This year, Travel Lemming listed Oak Park as one of the 50 best places to travel in 2025. In addition to Oak Park, other travel destinations recommended include places like Austin, Texas; Harbor Springs, Michigan; and Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. As Travel Lemming states, “Immerse yourself in the history of great American artists in this gorgeous Chicagoland suburb dotted with Frank Lloyd Wright designs.” Click here for Travel Lemming's complete list of the 50 places to travel in 2025.
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