By any definition, Chicago truly is a World-Class City—leading the world with its cultural institutions, multinational companies and globally-inspired dining scene. This international spirit also pervades the city’s locally owned businesses. This month, Dream Town Supports Small is taking you around the world (and across the USA) to showcase some worldly small businesses right here in Chicagoland.
The Loyalist
smythandtheloyalist.com | 177 N Ada St, Chicago
Inspired by traditional French brasseries, chef-owners John Shields and Karen Urie Shields opened their inviting neighborhood restaurant and bar in the heart of the West Loop. Enjoy casual French-focused fare prepared with the same passion and uncompromising attention to detail as Smyth, their fancier two Michelin-starred sibling restaurant upstairs.
Five Elements Home
fiveelementshome.com | 5239 N Clark St, Chicago
Firmly rooted in the belief that home goods should be timeless in design and meticulously crafted from natural materials, this Andersonville housewares boutique offers an ever-changing collection of products sourced from skilled artisans in Asia. From textiles and ceramics to tea sets and chopsticks, every item is handpicked and handmade—and no two are alike.
Sat Nam Yoga
satnamyoga.com | 1304 W Washington Blvd, Chicago
Situated in a historic Chicago building, this popular West Loop yoga studio features multiple studio spaces and therapy rooms as well as a private garden courtyard for open-air classes. Healing services, certification training and special workshops are offered along with daily classes that focus on the traditions and practices of Kundalini Yoga – said to have originated with Sikh warriors in ancient India.
Frío Gelato
friogelato.com | 1301 Chicago Ave, Evanston
Inspired by the neighborhood gelaterías of their childhood in Buenos Aires, this family-owned shop offers an Argentine-style gelato that originated with 19th-century Italian immigrants who settled in Argentina. Softer and creamier than American ice cream, this delightful concoction is offered in a variety of tempting flavors including Malbec Wine with Berries, Strawberry, Fig with Cognac, Horchata, Chocolate Chip, Banana—and the traditional Argentine favorite, Dulce de Leche.
Philly’s Best
phillysbest.com | 769 W Jackson Blvd and 907 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
You will find oven-baked grinders, stuffed pizza and Nashville Hot Chicken on the menu, but the real star here is their signature Philly Cheese Steak. It’s made fresh-to-order with authentic ingredients from Amoroso’s Baking Company and Liberty Bell Steaks, both located in the City of Brotherly Love.
Arabesque Dance & Fitness
arabesquechicago.com | 3120 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
Popularly called “Belly Dancing” in America, this traditional dance traces its roots to itinerant 19th-century dance troops who traveled across Egypt. Here in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, Arabesque’s accomplished teachers offer Belly Dance classes for all levels, beginner to advanced. New 7-week sessions begin Sep 13 and Nov 1.
The Golden Triangle
goldentriangle.biz | 2035 W Grand Ave, Chicago
Scouring the globe from Asia to Europe, owners Doug Van Tress and Chauwarin Tuntisak present a carefully curated collection of antique furnishings from British Colonial bookcases and French Art Deco club chairs to Chinese cabinets and Brutalist lounge chairs. Contemporary artwork, rugs, period lighting fixtures and large architectural elements enhance their sprawling gallery showroom in West Town.
Amaru
amaruchicago.com | 1904 W North Ave, Chicago
With influences from Argentine wine country and Peru’s Pacific-coast capital to the verdant mountains of Colombia and the regional cuisines of Mexico, owner-chef Rodolfo Cuadros showcases his culinary skill and passion in a wonderful menu that reflects the history, spirit and cultural diversity of Latin America.
Alcala’s Western Wear
alcalas.com | 1733 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
Founded in 1972 by Luis Alcala, this family-owned business is one of the largest retailers of Western wear in the Midwest. They offer a huge selection of shirts, jackets, vests, dresses and jeans along with hats, belts, jewelry and accessories. Stacked floor to ceiling, there are more than 8,000 pairs of boots from top brands including Corral, Denver Mountain, Cuadra, Dingo, Los Altos and Tony Lama.
Kasama
kasamachicago.com | 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago
Led by owner-chefs Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon, this Ukrainian Village restaurant and bakery is the first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the world! During the day, the counter-service menu includes a tempting variety of savory and sweet items. Thursday through Sunday evenings, patrons enjoy a 13-course Filipino-inspired fine-dining tasting menu.
Colores Mexicanos
coloresmexicanoschicago.com | 605 N Michigan Ave, Chicago
In their colorful fair-trade gift shop, sisters Leti and Erika Espinosa and co-owner Gabriel Neely-Streit have found a way to show their love and appreciation for Mexico’s deep artistic traditions and its many indigenous cultures. In the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, you’ll find a wide variety of authentic art, décor, jewelry and other cultural treasures—all sourced directly from artisan families living and working in 12 states all across Mexico.
Sherpa Curry House
sherpacurryhouse.com | 610 Davis St, Evanston
Drawing on the spices, aromas and culinary traditions of the Himalayas, this inviting North Shore eatery offers its fresh, contemporary take on authentic Nepalese and North Indian cuisine. Familiar Indian dishes like Samosa, Tandoori, Masala and Paneer are offered along with specialty items including Tibetan street food and Momo—the traditional Nepalese dumpling.
Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen
genessausage.com | 4750 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Founded 50 years ago by two young immigrant brothers from a farm village in Poland, Gene’s is still family-owned and operated! In addition to their popular rooftop beer and wine garden, this fully-stocked delicatessen, market and butcher shop features renowned deli brands along with house-made specialty items including dozens of sausage varieties all handmade in-store daily.
