From new storefronts to major anniversaries, the 19th Ward business community is experiencing a year of growth and change in 2025.
It takes a lot of time and effort to run a local business in Chicago. Not only do local entrepreneurs want their businesses to succeed; they want the entire community to thrive, and a number of businesses have opened in the neighborhood helping to enrich the business district.
Beverly Bicycle Repair Shop opened its doors in March at its new location, 2555 W. 111th St., under the ownership of Brian Vargas, longtime manager at Beverly Bike.
Vargas, of Beverly, plans to focus more on maintenance at the new location. He purchased the store from Paul and Kathleen Weise, who retired last October.
Vargas has been in the bicycle industry for some 10 years, working at Beverly Bike since 2019 and before that at Working Bikes, a Chicago based not-for-profit bike shop focusing on refurbishing donated cycles for redistribution both locally and across the globe.
The bike shop is just one of many local offerings in the 19th Ward.
In May, VRS Realty, 10941 S. Western Ave. opened its doors with the organization’s first Chicago location.
In July, Rahsaan Liddell opened Global Pathways Education and Publishing’s Mandarin and Culture Studio, located at 9021 S. Western Ave.
A Chicago Public Schools teacher, Liddell’s studio will offer language classes, cultural workshops and community programming.
According to the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association (MPBHBA), a number of businesses are planning to open this September.
Lauren Walsh plans to open her own Pilates studio, Rephorm, located at 9915 S. Walden Pkwy. Additionally, Ashley January plans to open her own art studio, January Art, at 1903 W. 103rd St.
This year, a personal training fitness facility opened in Beverly; Silencer Sports Performance opened at 1908 W. 103rd St. The gym specializes in group training, weight loss, meal plans and sport-specific training.
The neighborhood has also seen upgrades to commercial properties, including facade improvements at the strip mall that houses Milano’s Pizza on the 10900 block of South Western Avenue.
According to the MPBHBA, both Cork & Kerry and Ken’s on Western received Small Business Improvement Fund grants for improvements.
A number of local businesses also celebrated milestones. Calabria Imports, 1905 W. 103rd St., will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
Relocating to Beverly in 2003 after more than 20 years in Blue Island, Calabria Imports is a neighborhood favorite.
This family-owned Italian market and deli has focused on quality ingredients and affordable prices, and in a community known as a haven for the South Side Irish, Calabria Imports has established itself as a haven for anyone who loves Italian food.
Jenny Harkins, owner of Treadfit Beverly, 10458 S. Western Ave., celebrated the 10-year anniversary of her business on Aug. 10.
Harkins, a former Beverly resident, said the idea for Treadfit came to her as a frequent runner. As a busy parent, she would squeeze in workouts on a treadmill with an infant carrier nearby.
“I started playing with speeds and incline a bit, and kind of switching up what I was doing,” she said. “Then I started incorporating strength training.”
Her growing interest in structured, results-driven workouts, as well as the desire for a welcoming fitness space outside the home, inspired her to launch her business and it has been growing ever since.
This June, Sanders BBQ Supply, 1742 W. 99th St., celebrated its one-year anniversary in Beverly.
Owned by James Sanders, the restaurant has become a success in the neighborhood for its tasty barbecue classics.
Marketing efforts in the neighborhood have also expanded. The MPBHBA said business owners are in the process of shooting video for a marketing video of the neighborhood and last spring, a new website opened aimed at promoting the businesses of Western Avenue.
With the help of a $5,000 grant from Illinois Main Street, the MPBHBA, the Beverly Area Planning Association and a number of business owners launched OnWestern.org.
The website aims to promote events and businesses along Western Avenue.
“There’s a lot going on Western, and I know personally, and I think people generally, have a hard time going from account to account to figure out what’s going on any given day,” said Nora Conroy of the MPBHBA. “The idea is just to hopefully get more eyes on Western and on the events and businesses putting in all this hard work.”
The website includes an event calendar, a growing list of neighborhood dining, retail and entertainment options, and the ability for local businesses to submit event listings directly.
With more openings on the way and established businesses continuing to thrive, the rest of the year promises to keep Beverly and Morgan Park’s commercial corridors active and evolving.
Davia Douglas, the new executive director of the MPBHBA, said it is important for residents to shop at local businesses.
“It is so important for our businesses to feel the support of the community,” she said. “They are actively seeking ways to engage with the community and they are always looking for feedback as well as ideas.”
Douglas was named executive director in August, and she succeeds Caroline Connors. Douglas formerly worked as executive director of the 95th Street Beverly Hills Business Association.
The 95th Street Business Association is now conducting a search for an executive director; interested candidates should email their resume to info@95thstreetba.org.
