The last thing a business owner wants to do in a down economy is lose money, but the owners of Aurelio's pizzeria in downtown La Grange did just that last week.
Although nobody was seen in hoop skirts or bobby socks on Calendar Court on the night of Aug. 20, new and (15-month) old customers filled the sit-down restaurant and bar to the gills that evening to enjoy circa-1959 menu prices.
The event, held throughout the 43-store chain, was celebrating founder Joe Aurelio's first restaurant in the south suburbs, which remains in business today. The La Grange store, which opened in the middle of a deteriorating economy in the summer of 2008, still packs the place regularly -- leaving its competitors in the dust.
And though the owner admitted to taking a bit of a financial hit to carry out the promotion, it seemed to prove at least one good thing: that customers know a good thing when they see it and take on a certain loyalty to that business. Some newcomers, we believe, just don't seem to understand.
In our own informal poll of waitstaff that evening, we found out the loyal customer base ponied up reasonable and realistic tips based on the fact their biggest thin crust, for example, cost them about one-fifth of what it usually does (say five or six bucks for a minimum $25 pie).
But many of those who heard about the promotion and appeared to be first-time customers
especially enjoyed leaving 1950's style gratuities (say a buck-80 for a $12 pizza order that would normally run them about 40 bucks). Go figure.
But that's business and life goes on. Hope for the best, but expect the worst, I always say.
Every member of the waitstaff I have met there seems to understand tips are a treat and vary from person to person. They even act like they don't care what people leave. Some businesses boldly stick the tip jar in your face as you order or even include it on the bill. Not here.
Aurelio's staff is courteous, friendly and really gets to know their customers. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am among them. This is no endorsement based on a favor to advertisers (of which they are not), but when an owner delivers orders to the table, and frequently also cleans the table when you leave, that puts a smile on your face.
And in a down economy, that's just what people need: a much-deserved pick-me-up. Ross and Co. provide just that.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
PIZZA IN LA GRANGE AT 1950'S PRICES?!?
Customers of Aurelio's Pizza, 11 Calendar Court, in La Grange's downtown business district will likely be shocked when they visit the popular Italian eatery on Thursday, Aug. 20 -- or so we hear.
Seems that is the very day chain owner Joe Aurelio opened up his first restaurant in south suburban Homewood, way back in 1959.
It was a big secret until today, when we heard the La Grange Aurelio's will be scaling back prices to the way they were in '59. On what and by how much, we don't know yet. C'mon Ross, spill the beans!
We'll have to see what kind of crowds will show up at the already frequently packed pizzeria Thursday ... and what kind of deals are in store.
Talk about an economic stimulus package.
Seems that is the very day chain owner Joe Aurelio opened up his first restaurant in south suburban Homewood, way back in 1959.
It was a big secret until today, when we heard the La Grange Aurelio's will be scaling back prices to the way they were in '59. On what and by how much, we don't know yet. C'mon Ross, spill the beans!
We'll have to see what kind of crowds will show up at the already frequently packed pizzeria Thursday ... and what kind of deals are in store.
Talk about an economic stimulus package.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Fifth Annual Fudge for Soldiers
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factorys of LaGrange and Orland Park, IL, LOVES our soldiers. We love the freedom the soldiers provide, and we appreciate their efforts.
Starting July 1, 2009, when a customer buys one pound of our hand-made creamy fudge that we make fresh in our store, we will be sending ONE POUND overseas to our soldiers starting in November. When asked why are you waiting so long to ship the fudge, store owner, Jean Kuhn, replied, “We could ship it now because fudge doesn’t melt, however we wanted to ship it closer to the holidays. We are running this promotion in July only. This will give us hundreds of pounds of fudge to ship. We will be shipping the fudge through Operation Support Our Troops Illinois.” www.osotil.com.
The two RMCF stores are keeping a tally board in the store so customers can see how much fudge we will be sending.
“This is the fifth year that we have been running this promotion,” said Kuhn. “We have sent over 1300 pounds of fudge so far. Our goal is to send 300 pounds this year.”
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a retail chocolate store that specializes in hand-made fudge that we make right in the store, along with 20 varieties of caramel apples, and fine chocolates. We are located in downtown LaGrange, and inside the Orland Square Mall, upstairs entrance, by Macy’s. Both Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores offer chocolate fundraising programs, as well as corporate gift baskets.
For more information please contact the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory of LaGrange: 708-352-6487 and Orland Park: 708-349-2063
Starting July 1, 2009, when a customer buys one pound of our hand-made creamy fudge that we make fresh in our store, we will be sending ONE POUND overseas to our soldiers starting in November. When asked why are you waiting so long to ship the fudge, store owner, Jean Kuhn, replied, “We could ship it now because fudge doesn’t melt, however we wanted to ship it closer to the holidays. We are running this promotion in July only. This will give us hundreds of pounds of fudge to ship. We will be shipping the fudge through Operation Support Our Troops Illinois.” www.osotil.com.
The two RMCF stores are keeping a tally board in the store so customers can see how much fudge we will be sending.
“This is the fifth year that we have been running this promotion,” said Kuhn. “We have sent over 1300 pounds of fudge so far. Our goal is to send 300 pounds this year.”
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a retail chocolate store that specializes in hand-made fudge that we make right in the store, along with 20 varieties of caramel apples, and fine chocolates. We are located in downtown LaGrange, and inside the Orland Square Mall, upstairs entrance, by Macy’s. Both Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores offer chocolate fundraising programs, as well as corporate gift baskets.
For more information please contact the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory of LaGrange: 708-352-6487 and Orland Park: 708-349-2063
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
PAWN SHOP IN LAGRANGE? 'NO WAY' SAYS DOWNTOWN BUSINESS GROUP
Downtown La Grange business owners are up in arms over the proposed location of a pawn shop in the former Hollywood Video store on La Grange Road -- which has been vacant for more than a year.
Although ordinances currently permit such a use in the central business district, word has it the Village Board is planning on addressing the issue at an upcoming meeting by proposing to eliminate the existence of a pawn shop category in the village code.
But first, the Planning & Zoning Commission must hold a public hearing on the issue,. and that has already been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29 at Village Hall.
Community Development Director Patrick Benjamin said the type of business the proposed All Star Jewelry & Loan is planning on opening at 71 S. La Grange Road in mid-July is among those uses -- so-called "used merchandise sales" -- that's permitted in the section of the village zoning code last updated in 1991 referring to businesses in the C-1 central business retail district.
Those uses being eyed by the commission, which may include title loan and payday loan stores as well, will be among the certain uses considered later this month. Whether the village's ultimate actions would result in barring the business from opening is "a legal question," he added. And village attorney Mark Burkland has not yet been reached for comment.
Plus, while the business -- which has promised lots of fine jewelry and brand new goods in boxes which were gifts customers did not care for -- has applied for a license, it still must seek building and certificate of occupancy permits, he said.
And while there are other current and former uses in the downtown, such as The Carousel Shop, Jackson Square Mall and zoe's that sell and have sold used , donated and/or consignment merchandise, the village has changed in the past couple decades and no longer would consider a pawn shop a desired use.
"He did his research and found that section of the code was left open," said Benjamin, "but we thought that probably our business owners would entertain (better) tenants."
The movement to fight the pawn shop is being led by La Grange Business Association President Michael LaPidus, who e-mailed a letter late Tuesday to all of the LGBA's member business and property owners and others urging them to get involved.
"We are in the middle of a pretty big fight ... for a whole barrage of reasons," said LaPidus. "A pawn shop brings in a different crowd of people who do their business and leave. These just aren't the right mix of people we want hanging out in our business district."
The owner of the retail space, which sits on land directly south of Village Hall and west of the new downtown parking deck -- John Brannen -- has only been successful in leasing out the former Via Bella space to Francesca's. All of the retail spaces in the adjoining La Grange Pointe senior housing complex also have remained vacant since it opened last summer.
And while a sign in the shop window between the restaurant and the proposed pawn shop space has been clearly marketing the middle store for a bakery, the only new bakery coming to town will be on Calendar Court instead.
LaPidus, who has already taken his case to the village and who intends on making it the main topic of the monthly LGBA meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 11 at Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten, said the owner of the space has indicated a willingness to release the pawn shop owner of his 1-year contract.
But while the owner could not immediately be reached for comment, LaPidus says the man "is not budging" and claims "La Grange is in need" of a pawn shop if for no other reason than to dispel misnomers about that line of business.
"He says he's worked at a pawn shop and he's going to open up a pawn shop," LaPidus related, adding the man claims La Grange will be impressed with his many jewelry display cases. Brannen, who owns other downtown properties, also has plans to rent the middle shop to a mattress store, said LaPidus.
He said this is not a matter of La Grange being too good for such a business, but that it has been very selective of the kinds of shops the downtown area has attracted over the past 10 to 15 years and wants to keep improving on that record.
"We're not elitist ... but the mere definition of (the term) pawn shop suggests a place where destitute, desperate people go to cash in their belongings for money," he said. "That kind of thing has a very negative revolt on property taxes and when other new businesses who may want to move into town see we have a pawn shop might be turned away."
In his letter to the LGBA, LaPidus refers this to one of a "few defining moments" in the history of the business community "worthy of a vigorous fight" from the organization and community.
"Over my dead body will this happen," said LaPidus, who also owns Roly Poly Sandwiches just north of the La Grange Theatre. "I will make sure we don't start reversing all the good we've done down here."
Rumors about the new business quickly made rounds around the community ever since it was first revealed by someone on Pet Parade weekend a little over a week ago.
The letter specifically addresses the LGBA's resolve.
"We have been extremely fortunate in the past to have building owners be diligent about what tenants they rent to and commit their leasing practices to the spirit of what has made La Grange's business district extremely successful;" he wrote, "the right mix of unique, practical, eclectic and exciting businesses that fit our community and compliment our existing shops and restaurants."
LaPidus said he hopes the Village Board actions on this matter -- not expected for another month or so -- "will basically put (the shop owner) on notice he won't be able to open his doors."
Brannen could not be reached for comment, nor could Mayor Liz Asperger. A call to Village Manager Robert Pilipiszyn was answered by Benjamin.
About the only times in recent history village officials actively spoke out about a business' actions it considered of a negative nature were a failed move by the downtown cigar shop to allow its patrons to sit on leather chairs outside the front door to smoke cigars and attempts by a former ice cream parlor on Catherine Avenue near the tracks to allow its customers to dance along to swing music on select nights -- which at the time was in violation of village code.
Interestingly enough, neighboring Countryside has long banned strictly used car dealerships from operating in city limits, but just last week granted the former Continental Chrysler Jeep new car dealership a conditional OK to operate beyond its forced June 9 corporate shutdown date. Now, the business is trying for a business license and zoning change to stay open as the Continental Auto Center selling used cars, and parts and service to Chrysler owners.
The closest pawn shop to La Grange is two towns east on Ogden in Lyons, Classic Jewelers & Pawn Brokers, a longtime staple in the town's eccentrically diverse business district that includes such variety as a concrete products plant, a 24-hour diner, a mosquito abatement headquarters, a video poker distributor, a motel, taverns and liquor stores, auto and lawnmower repair shops, single-room-occupancy buildings. a palm and Tarot card reader between a church and a coin laundry, gas stations, tan spas and a new shop that sells caskets direct from the manufacturer.
Watch this space for more updates in the coming days.
Although ordinances currently permit such a use in the central business district, word has it the Village Board is planning on addressing the issue at an upcoming meeting by proposing to eliminate the existence of a pawn shop category in the village code.
But first, the Planning & Zoning Commission must hold a public hearing on the issue,. and that has already been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29 at Village Hall.
Community Development Director Patrick Benjamin said the type of business the proposed All Star Jewelry & Loan is planning on opening at 71 S. La Grange Road in mid-July is among those uses -- so-called "used merchandise sales" -- that's permitted in the section of the village zoning code last updated in 1991 referring to businesses in the C-1 central business retail district.
Those uses being eyed by the commission, which may include title loan and payday loan stores as well, will be among the certain uses considered later this month. Whether the village's ultimate actions would result in barring the business from opening is "a legal question," he added. And village attorney Mark Burkland has not yet been reached for comment.
Plus, while the business -- which has promised lots of fine jewelry and brand new goods in boxes which were gifts customers did not care for -- has applied for a license, it still must seek building and certificate of occupancy permits, he said.
And while there are other current and former uses in the downtown, such as The Carousel Shop, Jackson Square Mall and zoe's that sell and have sold used , donated and/or consignment merchandise, the village has changed in the past couple decades and no longer would consider a pawn shop a desired use.
"He did his research and found that section of the code was left open," said Benjamin, "but we thought that probably our business owners would entertain (better) tenants."
The movement to fight the pawn shop is being led by La Grange Business Association President Michael LaPidus, who e-mailed a letter late Tuesday to all of the LGBA's member business and property owners and others urging them to get involved.
"We are in the middle of a pretty big fight ... for a whole barrage of reasons," said LaPidus. "A pawn shop brings in a different crowd of people who do their business and leave. These just aren't the right mix of people we want hanging out in our business district."
The owner of the retail space, which sits on land directly south of Village Hall and west of the new downtown parking deck -- John Brannen -- has only been successful in leasing out the former Via Bella space to Francesca's. All of the retail spaces in the adjoining La Grange Pointe senior housing complex also have remained vacant since it opened last summer.
And while a sign in the shop window between the restaurant and the proposed pawn shop space has been clearly marketing the middle store for a bakery, the only new bakery coming to town will be on Calendar Court instead.
LaPidus, who has already taken his case to the village and who intends on making it the main topic of the monthly LGBA meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 11 at Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten, said the owner of the space has indicated a willingness to release the pawn shop owner of his 1-year contract.
But while the owner could not immediately be reached for comment, LaPidus says the man "is not budging" and claims "La Grange is in need" of a pawn shop if for no other reason than to dispel misnomers about that line of business.
"He says he's worked at a pawn shop and he's going to open up a pawn shop," LaPidus related, adding the man claims La Grange will be impressed with his many jewelry display cases. Brannen, who owns other downtown properties, also has plans to rent the middle shop to a mattress store, said LaPidus.
He said this is not a matter of La Grange being too good for such a business, but that it has been very selective of the kinds of shops the downtown area has attracted over the past 10 to 15 years and wants to keep improving on that record.
"We're not elitist ... but the mere definition of (the term) pawn shop suggests a place where destitute, desperate people go to cash in their belongings for money," he said. "That kind of thing has a very negative revolt on property taxes and when other new businesses who may want to move into town see we have a pawn shop might be turned away."
In his letter to the LGBA, LaPidus refers this to one of a "few defining moments" in the history of the business community "worthy of a vigorous fight" from the organization and community.
"Over my dead body will this happen," said LaPidus, who also owns Roly Poly Sandwiches just north of the La Grange Theatre. "I will make sure we don't start reversing all the good we've done down here."
Rumors about the new business quickly made rounds around the community ever since it was first revealed by someone on Pet Parade weekend a little over a week ago.
The letter specifically addresses the LGBA's resolve.
"We have been extremely fortunate in the past to have building owners be diligent about what tenants they rent to and commit their leasing practices to the spirit of what has made La Grange's business district extremely successful;" he wrote, "the right mix of unique, practical, eclectic and exciting businesses that fit our community and compliment our existing shops and restaurants."
LaPidus said he hopes the Village Board actions on this matter -- not expected for another month or so -- "will basically put (the shop owner) on notice he won't be able to open his doors."
Brannen could not be reached for comment, nor could Mayor Liz Asperger. A call to Village Manager Robert Pilipiszyn was answered by Benjamin.
About the only times in recent history village officials actively spoke out about a business' actions it considered of a negative nature were a failed move by the downtown cigar shop to allow its patrons to sit on leather chairs outside the front door to smoke cigars and attempts by a former ice cream parlor on Catherine Avenue near the tracks to allow its customers to dance along to swing music on select nights -- which at the time was in violation of village code.
Interestingly enough, neighboring Countryside has long banned strictly used car dealerships from operating in city limits, but just last week granted the former Continental Chrysler Jeep new car dealership a conditional OK to operate beyond its forced June 9 corporate shutdown date. Now, the business is trying for a business license and zoning change to stay open as the Continental Auto Center selling used cars, and parts and service to Chrysler owners.
The closest pawn shop to La Grange is two towns east on Ogden in Lyons, Classic Jewelers & Pawn Brokers, a longtime staple in the town's eccentrically diverse business district that includes such variety as a concrete products plant, a 24-hour diner, a mosquito abatement headquarters, a video poker distributor, a motel, taverns and liquor stores, auto and lawnmower repair shops, single-room-occupancy buildings. a palm and Tarot card reader between a church and a coin laundry, gas stations, tan spas and a new shop that sells caskets direct from the manufacturer.
Watch this space for more updates in the coming days.
Friday, June 5, 2009
COMED HELPS RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES
ComEd has improved electric service to dozens if not hundreds of business and residential customers in La Grange Park.
The electrical utility completed work earlier this year along 31st Street by investing $2 million to upgrade distribution lines.
The work will benefit most area residents by providing additional backup options when electrical loads must be shifted to quickly restore customers during storms and other outages.
Since 2001, ComEd has invested more than $5 billion to expand and upgrade its transmission and distribution systems, according to the company.
This has resulted in a 39 percent reduction in the frequency of customer interruptions.
The company performs regular maintenance work to ensure reliable delivery such as vegetation maintenance to free electrical lines from interference.
The electrical utility completed work earlier this year along 31st Street by investing $2 million to upgrade distribution lines.
The work will benefit most area residents by providing additional backup options when electrical loads must be shifted to quickly restore customers during storms and other outages.
Since 2001, ComEd has invested more than $5 billion to expand and upgrade its transmission and distribution systems, according to the company.
This has resulted in a 39 percent reduction in the frequency of customer interruptions.
The company performs regular maintenance work to ensure reliable delivery such as vegetation maintenance to free electrical lines from interference.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
JOB SEARCH HELP OFFERED AT CHURCH
A job support group and a six-week series of workshops to assist and support people facing a difficult employment marketplace will be offered by First Presbyterian Church of La Grange from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 16.
The workshops at the church, 150 S.Ashland Ave., are free and open to all. They will cover such topics as resume writing, networking and interviewing techniques.
Further information is available by calling (708) 354-0771 or visiting http://www.fpclg.org/.
The workshops at the church, 150 S.Ashland Ave., are free and open to all. They will cover such topics as resume writing, networking and interviewing techniques.
Further information is available by calling (708) 354-0771 or visiting http://www.fpclg.org/.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
MAMBO ROOM COMES TO TOWN JUNE 8
For those who follow the local restaurant scene, take a peek inside the former La Pinta, 25 Calendar, for new things to come. We interviewed co-owner Trini Soto as he monitored kitchen upgrades this week inside downtown La Grange's latest epicurean delight: the newly renovated upscale Mambo Room Bar & Grill, scheduled to open at 4 p.m. Monday, June 8.
The Latin-inspired tapas restaurant, owned by Trini, Rafael, Tony and Thipi Soto, has changed its interior design and colors to red and grey and the entire bar area dining room where the live bands used to play.
Though the former name will soon be replaced on the outdoor sign, the wooden overhang above the sidewalk patio will remain. But passersby can now see in the new main glass doors, which replaced heavy wooden doors that adorned the last place.
"We're bringing back all the tapas," said Trini, a response to the queries of so many customers who so often asked what happened to the signature appetizers menu they first introduced to La Grange about five years ago. "It's Latin-American, but still our own way: a 'fusion' of flavors."
He admits local foodies did not really "get" the concept -- popularized over the years by Emilio's in Hillside and Meson Sabika in Naperville -- when it first came on the scene, which is part of the reason why La Pinta later changed to a full menu before it closed its doors May 4.
But, he said, the owners believe La Grange is now ready to please its collective palate with such tapas as guacamole, scalloped-wrapped bacon, stuffed red pepper and boneless duck dishes -- and the idea of ordering several items and sharing it with a large group of people.
In addition to the 33 tapas dishes, what's also new on the expansive menu is some salads and sandwiches -- including our favorites: Tango Salad comprised of grilled steak, roasted red onion, tomatoes and a Dijon-Aioli sauce and a tilapia sandwich with tartar. Entrees include a baby lamp chop served with tequila mango salsa, in addition to steak, shrimp, chicken and tilapia specialties.
Mambo Room, owned by the same family as the popular Thipi Thai around the corner on La Grange Road in La Grange and in far west suburban Glen Ellyn, will be open 7 days a week, at 4 p.m. each day, and its bar will stay open later. Bands will still perform monthly for starters, but in the great room amongst four-top tables and chairs with a perfect view of the open kitchen.
The dining room will be until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.
As Trini looked out at his future "new" neighbors, one particular entity caught his eye, making him wince at the thought of the temptation it, too, will be to him. The banner inside the window at 26 West, where zoe's resale shop once was, screams out in big red script "Bakery Coming Soon."
Besides Knead, the former Great Harvest and Corner Bakery, La Grange hasn't had a traditional bakery in nearly a decade. .
The Latin-inspired tapas restaurant, owned by Trini, Rafael, Tony and Thipi Soto, has changed its interior design and colors to red and grey and the entire bar area dining room where the live bands used to play.
Though the former name will soon be replaced on the outdoor sign, the wooden overhang above the sidewalk patio will remain. But passersby can now see in the new main glass doors, which replaced heavy wooden doors that adorned the last place.
"We're bringing back all the tapas," said Trini, a response to the queries of so many customers who so often asked what happened to the signature appetizers menu they first introduced to La Grange about five years ago. "It's Latin-American, but still our own way: a 'fusion' of flavors."
He admits local foodies did not really "get" the concept -- popularized over the years by Emilio's in Hillside and Meson Sabika in Naperville -- when it first came on the scene, which is part of the reason why La Pinta later changed to a full menu before it closed its doors May 4.
But, he said, the owners believe La Grange is now ready to please its collective palate with such tapas as guacamole, scalloped-wrapped bacon, stuffed red pepper and boneless duck dishes -- and the idea of ordering several items and sharing it with a large group of people.
In addition to the 33 tapas dishes, what's also new on the expansive menu is some salads and sandwiches -- including our favorites: Tango Salad comprised of grilled steak, roasted red onion, tomatoes and a Dijon-Aioli sauce and a tilapia sandwich with tartar. Entrees include a baby lamp chop served with tequila mango salsa, in addition to steak, shrimp, chicken and tilapia specialties.
Mambo Room, owned by the same family as the popular Thipi Thai around the corner on La Grange Road in La Grange and in far west suburban Glen Ellyn, will be open 7 days a week, at 4 p.m. each day, and its bar will stay open later. Bands will still perform monthly for starters, but in the great room amongst four-top tables and chairs with a perfect view of the open kitchen.
The dining room will be until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.
As Trini looked out at his future "new" neighbors, one particular entity caught his eye, making him wince at the thought of the temptation it, too, will be to him. The banner inside the window at 26 West, where zoe's resale shop once was, screams out in big red script "Bakery Coming Soon."
Besides Knead, the former Great Harvest and Corner Bakery, La Grange hasn't had a traditional bakery in nearly a decade. .
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