This month, with Father’s Day on June 19, Dream Town Supports Small is focusing on family-owned businesses, including a few run by father-and-son teams. From professional services to inviting venues where you can shop and dine, here are some local businesses that are keeping it all in the family.
Beer on Central
beeroncentral.com | 1930 Central St, Evanston
Peter O’Malley and his son Brian opened this shop to share their passion for beer and community camaraderie. Indeed, patrons are invited to bring in food from local restaurants to enjoy with their beverage, choose from a wide variety of cold single cans and 8 rotating taps. And when you fall in love, they also offer packaged craft beers, spirits, wines and ciders for you to enjoy at home.
Father & Son Barber Shop
fatherandsonbarbershop.com | 5806 N Broadway, Chicago
The roots of this Edgewater icon go back to the late 1960’s with the arrival of Joe Faraci from his native Sicily. Fast forward 50 years, and this popular barber shop is now owned by sons Pete and Anthony. Offering haircuts, beard work and straight-razor head shaves, the clientele mirrors the rich diversity of their surrounding northside neighborhoods – including young professionals, local senior residents, hipsters and every facet of the LGBTQ+ community.
Gadabout
gadaboutchicago.com | 5212 N Clark St, Chicago
Owned and managed by a husband-and-wife team with another married duo overseeing the kitchen, the tight-knit team behind this Andersonville eatery presents a dining experience that celebrates Chicago’s rich diversity. Enhanced by a unique beverage menu of vibrant cocktails and vintage sodas, their cuisine draws on bold flavors, global inspiration and sustainable, locally-sourced produce.
Janik’s Café
janikscafe.com | 2011 W Division St, Chicago
Husband-and-wife owners Felippa & Wayne Janik run this casual eatery, celebrated for its all-day breakfast and lunch. Enveloped by the cozy, homey ambiance they have created in Wicker Park, their delighted diners savor comfort food lovingly prepared with a Latin twist.
Ciprian Flooring
ciprianflooring.com | 7066 W Grennan Pl, Niles
Perhaps you just need a simple recoating to get your hardwood floors Open-House ready. Or maybe you want to install durable laminate flooring in the mudroom of your newly-purchased home. For 16 years, the certified professionals of this father-and-son owned-and-operated business have taken great pride in their high-quality work and outstanding customer service.
Rufino Painting
rufinopainting.com | 5914 N Artesian Ave, Chicago
With over 25 years of experience and 5-star reviews on Yelp and Angie’s List, this family-owned business will take on your interior or exterior painting project with one simple aim: To thoroughly understand your decorating needs and to provide you with dependable, neat and clean work – with minimal inconvenience.
Nohea Café
noheacafe.com | 1312 W Madison St, Chicago
Founded by mother & daughter team, Shirley and Michelle, this casual West Loop spot offers fresh, healthy options for breakfast and lunch. Also offering catering services and tempting box lunches for pick up or delivery, they specialize in custom-made sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads and sides.
Adams & Son & Daughter Gardens
773.235.0991 | 1057 N California Ave, Chicago
Supported by his entire family, including the eponymous son and daughter, Tony Adams’ inviting garden center has been an enduring landmark in the ever-evolving Humboldt Park neighborhood. On the same spot where his parents spent decades operating a thriving fruit market, the family now offers a wide variety of plants and succulents for your home, yard and garden.
Hecky’s Barbecue
heckys.com | 1902 Green Bay Rd, Evanston
Although the legendary Hecky Powell passed away in 2020, his wife, family and long-time staff continue to operate this venerated carry-out joint with the same commitment and passion that has made Hecky’s a North Shore institution for nearly four decades. With an extensive menu featuring pork, poultry, beef, sandwiches, sides and desserts, it’s Hecky’s famous barbecue sauce that keeps customers coming back for more.
Lambrecht’s Jewelers
lambrechtsjewelers.com | 1131 Central Ave, Wilmette
Founded in 1892 with a classic storefront at Milwaukee and Western Avenues, this family-owned business has called the North Shore home for more than 65 years. Now run by the 4th generation of the Lambrecht family, they continue to delight both new and longtime customers with their wide selection of jewelry for every budget—along with custom designs and full-service repairs for jewelry and timepieces.
Nonna Silvia’s Trattoria & Pizzeria
nonnasilvias.com | 1400 Canfield Rd, Park Ridge
Steven Marti and John Giannini named this Park Ridge restaurant for their grandmother Nonna Silvia Giannini. Revered by everyone in the family for her delicious cooking, Nonna Silvia used fresh seasonal ingredients, prepared with care and presented simply with no ostentation. Following in her path has been a recipe for success as her grandsons continue to delight new and old patrons with their authentic Italian cuisine.
